Established in 1950 and headquartered in Changsha, China, Hunan Tea Group Company Limited is one of the largest and most influential tea enterprises in China. With over seven decades of expertise in the tea industry, the company has built a reputation for excellence, sustainability, and international trade reach. It operates under the strategic brand "Xiang Tea" and is known for its vertically integrated operations from cultivation to global distribution.
Core Business
Hunan Tea Group is engaged in the cultivation, processing, packaging, and export of a wide range of Chinese teas. As a state-owned enterprise, it benefits from strong governmental support and access to premium tea-producing regions in Hunan and neighboring provinces. Its operations span:
- Tea plantation management
- Tea leaf procurement
- Processing and blending
- Research and development
- Domestic and international sales
The company exports to more than 60 countries across five continents and serves as a key supplier to both traditional markets and premium segments globally.
Product & Service Offerings
The company offers a comprehensive selection of teas:
-
Green Tea
- Mao Jian
- Bi Luo Chun
- Long Jing
-
Black Tea
- Keemun
- Dian Hong
- Lapsang Souchong
-
Oolong Tea
-
White Tea
- Bai Hao Yin Zhen
- Bai Mu Dan
-
Pu-erh Tea
-
Jasmine Tea
- Jasmine Pearl
- Jasmine Green Tea
These are available in various packaging formats such as loose-leaf, tea bags, gift boxes, and custom branded packaging for private label clients.
Specialization and Core USP
The key strengths and differentiators of Hunan Tea Group include:
- China’s Largest Green Tea Exporter for multiple consecutive years
- Integration of plantation, production, and international marketing
- Proprietary tea gardens covering more than 10,000 hectares
- State-of-the-art R&D center recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture
- Award-winning blends and protected geographical indications (PGIs)
- Traceability systems and QR code-enabled product authenticity
The company combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced processing techniques to ensure product consistency and global compliance.
Financials and Export Performance
Hunan Tea Group maintains a dominant position in China’s tea export market:
- Annual revenue exceeds RMB 2 billion (~USD 280 million)
- More than 15,000 tons of tea exported annually
- According to export data from platforms like Volza and ImportYeti:
- Over 2,000 international shipments annually
- Major buyers include companies in Russia, USA, Germany, Japan, and the Middle East
It has secured long-term contracts with global tea houses, supermarkets, and distributors.
Target Market
Hunan Tea Group targets a broad spectrum of markets and customers:
- Bulk buyers and distributors
- Premium tea houses and boutique retailers
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets
- Online retailers and e-commerce platforms
Its geographic market spans:
- Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Vietnam
- North America: United States, Canada
- Europe: Germany, UK, France
- Middle East: UAE, Iran
- CIS and Eastern Europe: Russia, Kazakhstan
Capabilities
- Production Facilities: 6 major processing factories with GMP-compliant equipment
- Annual Tea Processing Capacity: Over 30,000 metric tons
- R&D Facility: National-level tea research institute
- Storage: Advanced warehousing for controlled temperature and humidity
- Packaging: Automated and customizable packaging lines for OEM/ODM services
Certifications and Compliance
Hunan Tea Group operates under strict quality assurance systems and holds multiple international certifications:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- EU Organic Certification
- USDA Organic
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
- Kosher and HALAL Certifications
Their internal labs conduct regular chemical and microbiological analysis to meet EU and North American regulatory standards.
Customer Testimonials
“We’ve been sourcing green tea from Hunan Tea Group for over 5 years. Their professionalism and commitment to quality are unmatched.”
— Purchasing Manager, European Tea Importer
“Our private label partnership with Xiang Tea has allowed us to offer superior teas under our brand name. Their technical and logistical support is excellent.”
— Co-founder, Organic Tea Brand, USA
Major Achievements
- Named Top 10 National Key Leading Enterprise in Agricultural Industrialization
- Holder of Multiple Geographical Indication Protections (GI) for Hunan-produced teas
- Golden Leaf Awards and Great Taste Awards recipient
- Permanent exhibitor at international expos like SIAL, Anuga, and Canton Fair
- Partnerships with Confucius Institutes and cultural organizations to promote tea diplomacy
Hunan Tea Group Company Limited is not just a tea supplier but a cultural ambassador of Chinese tea heritage, driven by quality, innovation, and a long-term global vision.