The Tea Smith, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is a premier specialty tea retailer known for curating and offering one of the most diverse and high-quality loose-leaf tea selections in the United States. Founded by tea enthusiast Tim Smith, the company has built a strong reputation over the years for providing premium teas along with expert guidance and an enriching customer experience.
Core Business and Offerings
At its heart, The Tea Smith is a specialty tea retailer and tea house dedicated to the discovery, education, and enjoyment of high-quality loose-leaf teas. The company focuses on green, black, oolong, chai, matcha, rooibos, herbal, and iced teas, and also carries a well-curated selection of tea accessories, gift sets, and samplers.
Their tea categories include:
- Green Teas: Chinese, Japanese, flavored green teas, and matcha-based products.
- Black Teas: Chinese, Indian, and flavored black teas.
- Oolong Teas: Including specialty blends like Tropical Passion Oolong.
- Herbal and Rooibos: Notably Ginger and Sweet Orange Herbal Tea and Harmony Herbal blends.
- Chai and Iced Teas: Including traditional masala blends and iced tea packs.
- Tea Accessories: Teapots, infusers, travel sets, and more.
- Gift Products: Tea Sampler Sets, the Tea of the Month Club, and the Tea Travel Passport program.
Specialisation and Core USP
The Tea Smith differentiates itself through its unwavering focus on tea education and quality. Each tea is carefully selected by founder Tim Smith, a Certified Tea Specialist recognized by the Specialty Tea Institute. They host regular tasting events, educational workshops, and maintain an informative blog and video series on tea culture and brewing methods.
The brand’s commitment to transparency, authenticity, and customer engagement positions them as a go-to resource for tea connoisseurs and curious beginners alike.
Financial and Operational Insights
While The Tea Smith is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose revenue, industry estimates and web traffic analytics suggest a healthy annual revenue range of $1M to $5M, driven by both retail storefront sales and an expanding eCommerce presence.
According to SimilarWeb and Semrush data, the site receives over 15,000 unique monthly visitors, with seasonal spikes during holidays and gifting seasons, indicating a strong repeat customer base and robust digital performance.
Shipment and Export Activity
Import-export trade intelligence sources such as ImportYeti show that The Tea Smith maintains active sourcing relationships with international suppliers, particularly from Japan, China, India, and Sri Lanka, regions renowned for premium tea production.
Although the majority of their customer base is domestic, The Tea Smith has shown growing interest in international B2B shipments, primarily in North America and select regions of Europe, through their wholesale program.
Target Market
The Tea Smith targets:
- Tea Enthusiasts and Connoisseurs seeking rare and premium loose-leaf teas.
- Gifting and Lifestyle Shoppers through curated samplers and monthly tea clubs.
- Hospitality and Foodservice Industry Clients via their wholesale and custom-blend programs.
- Health-conscious Consumers interested in herbal wellness teas and natural blends.
Their demographic primarily spans ages 25–55, with a leaning toward urban dwellers, wellness-oriented shoppers, and culturally curious consumers.
Capabilities
The Tea Smith operates a fully integrated retail and e-commerce platform capable of fulfilling large individual and bulk orders. Key capabilities include:
- In-house tea curation and blending.
- Wholesale tea program for cafes, spas, and wellness brands.
- Custom gift assembly and subscription services.
- National shipping with climate-controlled packaging.
Certifications and Compliance
Tim Smith is a Certified Tea Specialist under the Specialty Tea Institute, ensuring expert selection and handling of teas. While formal third-party certifications (e.g., Organic, Fair Trade) are listed only on select SKUs, the company prioritizes ethically sourced teas with transparent origin traceability.
Customer Testimonials
Numerous verified reviews highlight the exceptional product quality, customer service, and educational value. One recurring customer note states:
“The Tea Smith offers an unmatched variety and quality. Their staff are knowledgeable and passionate about tea. It's a tea lover's paradise.” — Google Reviews, Verified Buyer
Major Achievements
- Recognized multiple times as Best Tea Shop in Omaha by local publications.
- Regularly featured in specialty tea magazines and blogs such as TeaTime and World Tea News.
- Built an extensive library of YouTube tutorials and educational videos, enhancing customer engagement and brand trust.
- Launched the Tea Travel Passport, an experiential product encouraging tea exploration.
The Tea Smith’s dedication to authenticity, education, and quality has made it a respected name in the tea retail industry and a trusted partner for both casual sippers and serious tea aficionados.
