Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Rise Yaupon, Inc. is a pioneering tea manufacturer and social enterprise based in Edgewater, Florida, USA, dedicated to reviving America’s only native caffeine source—Yaupon Holly. As a women-led business, Rise Yaupon promotes sustainable harvesting, eco-conscious practices, and social equity while delivering premium wellness beverages across the United States.

Company Overview

Founded by Shelly Steele, Rise Yaupon combines health, heritage, and sustainability through its unique product line made from Ilex vomitoria, commonly known as Yaupon. This evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. has a rich indigenous history as a sacred and energizing herbal infusion. Rise Yaupon reintroduces this ancient tradition in modern blends crafted for health-conscious consumers.

Core Business Activities

The company’s primary operations involve:

• Harvesting wild-grown Yaupon Holly in Florida using sustainable and regenerative agricultural methods.
• Producing a wide range of caffeinated Yaupon tea blends in eco-friendly facilities.
• Selling directly via eCommerce, local markets, and select retail partners across the U.S.

Product Portfolio

Rise Yaupon offers a diverse line of herbal teas under multiple categories:

• Yaupon Tea Bags

  • America’s Classic Yaupon Tea
  • Healthy Kick Yaupon Tea
  • Chocolate Mint-Up Yaupon Tea
  • Strawberry Zen Yaupon Tea
  • Berry Breeze Yaupon Tea

• Loose Leaf Teas

  • Rosemary Sage Yaupon Holly
  • Mushroom Turmeric Yaupon Holly

• Sampler Packs

  • Rise Yaupon 4-Blend Sampler Pack

All blends are gluten-free, USDA organic compliant, and packaged in compostable materials.

Specialization and USP

Rise Yaupon stands out for reintroducing a locally sourced, naturally caffeinated, and zero-calorie herbal tea that is both flavorful and health-enhancing. Their teas are rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and boast anti-inflammatory properties. The company’s commitment to:

• 100% sustainable wildcrafting
• zero artificial ingredients
• plastic-free packaging makes it a leader in the conscious beverage segment.

Additionally, Rise Yaupon empowers underserved women through its employment model and community initiatives, giving it strong social enterprise credentials.

Financial Performance

As a privately owned early-growth company, Rise Yaupon's estimated revenue ranges between $500,000 to $1.2 million annually, based on market size, pricing, and distribution partnerships. Individual SKUs retail between $9.99 to $14.99, with increasing traction in direct-to-consumer sales through the website and third-party marketplaces.

Shipment and Export Insights

While primarily a domestic brand, Rise Yaupon has:

• Shipped to over 42 states within the U.S.
• Seen 15% YoY growth in online orders over the last 3 years.
• Initiated exploratory exports to Canada and the UK through boutique wellness retailers and trade shows.

Target Markets

The brand targets:

• Health-conscious consumers aged 25–50 seeking clean caffeine
• Sustainability-minded shoppers
• Boutique wellness and organic food retailers
• Cafés and yoga studios promoting holistic lifestyles

Its positioning resonates especially with millennials and Gen Z, who value authenticity, sustainability, and local ingredients.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Hand-harvested and solar-dried Yaupon leaves
• In-house blending and packaging in a certified eco-facility
• Scalable logistics enabled via Shopify backend and regional fulfillment centers
• R&D for new flavors focusing on adaptogens and superfoods

Certifications and Compliance

• USDA Organic compliant ingredients
• Plastic-free and compostable packaging
• Woman-owned business certification pending (WBENC)
• Ethical Wildcrafting certification under review

Client Testimonials

"The Strawberry Zen tea is my new go-to for a mid-afternoon refresh—delicious and guilt-free!"
— Emily R., Verified Customer, Tampa, FL

"As a nutritionist, I recommend Rise Yaupon to clients wanting a gentle caffeine boost without acidity or jitters."
— Dr. Marcus Lee, Holistic Wellness Consultant

Recognitions and Achievements

• Featured in Clean Eating Magazine and Tea Journey
• Selected for Whole Foods Local Makers Program 2024
• Winner of Sustainable Product of the Year by Florida Green Living Awards (2023)
• Partnered with multiple eco-initiatives including 1% for the Planet

By reviving the ancient American Yaupon tradition with a modern, sustainable twist, Rise Yaupon continues to grow as a trailblazer in the health and wellness beverage sector.