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Exhibiting at HOTELEX Shanghai 2025

8.2K22
(NECC) in Hongqiao, West Shanghai
30 Mar - 2 Apr, 2025

Media Gallery

Selling Tea to China

Product Offerings

Products:

Black Tea: Everyday Brew, Earl Grey Strong, Darjeeling Earl Grey

Green Tea: Mao Feng Green Tea, Green Tea with Mint

Herbal Infusions: Peppermint Leaves, Chamomile Flowers, Liquorice and Mint

Rooibos Tea: Rooibos Crème Caramel, Spiced Winter Red Tea

Matcha: Matcha Green Tea Powder, Matcha Sachets

Specialty Blends: Chocolate Flake Tea, Chilli Chai, Lemongrass Lager

Teapigs Ltd., headquartered in Brentford, United Kingdom, is a leading premium tea brand known for revolutionizing the specialty tea industry with its focus on whole leaf teas, sustainable packaging, and transparent sourcing. Founded in 2006 by Louise Cheadle and Nick Kilby—former employees at a major tea company—Teapigs has grown into a globally respected tea brand with an expanding footprint in China and other international markets.

Core Business and Product Offering

Teapigs offers an extensive range of natural and ethically sourced teas across several categories:

  • Black Teas: Everyday Brew, Earl Grey Strong, Darjeeling Earl Grey
  • Green Teas: Mao Feng Green Tea, Green Tea with Mint
  • Herbal Infusions: Peppermint Leaves, Chamomile Flowers, Liquorice and Mint
  • Rooibos Teas: Crème Caramel Rooibos, Spiced Winter Red Tea
  • Matcha: Premium Matcha Powder and convenient Matcha Sachets
  • Specialty Blends: Chocolate Flake Tea, Chilli Chai, Lemongrass Lager

All teas are sold in biodegradable mesh “tea temples,” designed to deliver the quality of loose leaf tea with the convenience of a tea bag.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

Teapigs has carved a unique niche in the global tea market through:

  • Whole leaf tea only: No dust, no fannings
  • Sustainability-first ethos: All packaging is recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable
  • Certified B Corp: Teapigs became a Certified B Corporation in 2019, showcasing their commitment to ethical business practices
  • Direct sourcing from trusted farms: A significant portion of their teas are Rainforest Alliance certified

This commitment to quality and transparency has positioned Teapigs as a favorite among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

Financials and Global Shipments

As part of Tata Consumer Products (under Tata Group), Teapigs operates with strong financial backing:

  • Annual revenue exceeds £10 million, with rapid growth in export markets, especially Asia
  • The brand has seen double-digit growth in China, driven by rising demand for premium and sustainable imported teas
  • Teapigs products are distributed across 40+ countries, with strong presence in China, the United States, Germany, Australia, and other mature tea markets

Strategic partnerships with major retailers like Waitrose, Whole Foods, and Alibaba’s Tmall have significantly boosted international sales.

Market Reach and Target Demographics

Teapigs targets a discerning global audience that values:

  • High-quality, ethically sourced teas
  • Sustainable lifestyle products
  • Transparency in ingredient sourcing and environmental impact

In China, Teapigs has successfully captured interest among the urban middle class, particularly Millennials and Gen Z consumers interested in wellness and Western premium brands.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Teapigs’ blending and packaging operations are executed under stringent quality control standards. While the teas are sourced globally, all packaging takes place in the UK, where the company ensures:

  • Food-grade production conditions
  • Stringent batch testing for pesticides and quality
  • Continuous innovation in packaging to reduce plastic and increase biodegradability

The company also collaborates with Tata’s global logistics and quality assurance infrastructure for seamless international operations.

Certifications and Compliance

Teapigs is committed to global quality and sustainability benchmarks:

  • B Corporation Certified
  • Rainforest Alliance Certified for many blends
  • Soil Association Organic Certification (select products)
  • Non-GMO Project Verified (USA market)
  • FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification

These certifications reinforce Teapigs’ global competitiveness and its suitability for health-focused and regulated markets.

Customer Feedback and Industry Reputation

Consumer reviews across platforms such as Trustpilot, Amazon, and Alibaba consistently praise Teapigs for:

  • Rich flavors and aroma
  • Clear commitment to sustainability
  • Fast delivery and responsive customer service

Corporate clients and hospitality buyers also highlight their flexibility in private labelling and premium appeal for foodservice environments.

Achievements and Industry Recognition

  • Winner of Great Taste Awards for multiple blends, including Everyday Brew and Peppermint Leaves
  • Featured as a case study by Alibaba for successful foreign brand penetration into the Chinese market
  • Recognized by the UK Department of International Trade for excellence in export and global business development
  • Active participant in global trade shows such as FIE Europe, Natural & Organic Products Europe, and China Food & Drinks Fair

Teapigs continues to lead innovation in the premium tea segment, balancing traditional quality with modern values of sustainability, transparency, and ethical growth. Its expanding presence in China signals growing international recognition and demand for clean-label, eco-conscious beverage solutions.