One plant, tens of thousands of cultivars, and hundreds of companies.
Within this blog you’ll find interviews by tea companies from around the world. If you own a tea company and would like to be part of the blog, please send check the contact page. We would love to have you join us!
Kobold’s Cup
Who are your people? They may come in many different groups, across an enterprise of various habitats. Tea has an amazing way of taking the strange and different and mixing them together in harmony. At the Ohio Tea Festival, I met Mark and was instantly taken in by his authentic spirit and his awesome choice…
Mohei
Tea and innovation are topics that are broached cautiously but with optimism. A desire to respect the past and cultural norms but with an increased desire to do better for the environment. This is another company I discovered through the Global Japanese Tea Association and I am happy to share them with you today. Website:…
Volition Tea
While at the Chicago Tea Festival (Apr 12-13, 2025) I had the pleasure of meeting many new (to me) tea companies. One in particular caught my eye with their distinctive design and commitment to transparency. It was not Annie at the festival but the entire design of the booth was amazing. Annie Xiang is a busy…
My Tea Connection
On my journey to discover new tea companies, I’ve found I love hearing owners’ personal stories — what inspired them and keeps them going. My Tea Connection opened in October 2024 and, despite a hectic year of tariffs and challenges, they’re thriving. Find your own “tea connection” below! Website: https://www.myteaconnection.com/ Location Headquarters: Company Focus: Most popular…
Ooika
Thanks to the Global Japanese Tea Association, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with numerous remarkable individuals. One standout is Marc, the owner of Ooika. His dedication to providing exceptional matcha starts long before it reaches his establishment, extending all the way to Japan where he sources traditional matcha. He possesses a wealth of knowledge…
Matcha Easy
As a fan of matcha and other tea powders this company instantly piqued my interest. They sell not only high grade matcha but also other powdered teas. Furthermore, they don’t try to fit every other powdered tea under matcha as many other companies do incorrectly. Matcha is matcha for many specific reasons and I applaud…
Himalko Tea
During the January MN Tea Society meeting I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Yadav who helps run Himalko. When he said they were located in Eagan, MN I was flabbergasted. How did I not hear about this amazing company only 20 mins from my own city? He brought three samples along with…
Intellect Tea
Discovered through our mutual love of the Global Japanese Tea Association; this hyper focused company is driven to serve not only stellar cups of Japanese tea but also provide a reason behind each. If you are searching for mindfulness, clarity, or perhaps a bit of focus, start with a cup from Intellect Tea. Website: https://intellect-tea.com/…
FatBat Puerh
One thing that all tea companies have in common is a passion for tea. But what really sets one companies passion from another is the depth to which these companies are willing to dive to fulfill this passion. Fatbat Puerh is a company focused on deep diving into the world of Chinese tea. And not…
Obubu Tea
In June 2024 I attended the Japanese Tea Master Course through the Global Japanese Tea Association. During the two weeks of study, we visited many amazing places including two visits to Wazuka to harvest tea in the Obubu Tea fields. The aroma of the processing leaves is now one of my favorites. If you ever…
Global Japanese Tea Association
Where do I even begin? This non-profit is inspiring. Not only to those who join as members to learn more about Japanese tea but also to the farmers and tea companies they support with their global outreach. While they don’t sell their own tea, it is the people who run this company that keep the…
MANDARACHA
What does it take to become a top tea house? A popular tea house? A five-star Google tea house? You could say any of the characteristics are subjective just like tea. Some people will buy or not buy tea based on subjective labeling. The reason I am mentioning this is simply that I really do…
Tea Dealers
During my research looking for a Chanoyu teacher on the Urasenke Foundation page, I came across this beautiful company. Stefen Ramirez & Shin Won Yoon run a company that offers unique teas and tisanes but also exquisite teaware, sake pitchers, and incense burners… well just go look for yourself! Don’t forget to look at their…
You Shin
Not all tea companies have websites. Furthermore, not all farmers have or prefer not to have access to suppliers. Sometimes this is handled through other means. Over the past few months, I have been speaking with Mr. Liao about this company he works with and he was kind enough to send samples. The samples he…
Blue Monkey Tea
Every once in awhile I come across a company that I’ve known for years and realize (embarrassingly) that I have yet to add them to TeaTiff. This company opened in 2002 and has a sumptuous selection of teas and tisanes. Mrs. Harris styles her company in a spunky and unique way that I believe truly…
Ancient Leaf Tea
You could spend every day of your life enjoying a cup of tea but would you enjoy it more if you knew who harvested it? If you can visit a tea field and tour with the farmer do not hesitate. Behind each leaf is a farmer striving to bring their art to life in a…
Tego Tea
As I was sitting out on the converted garage to lanai of our vrbo I received a phone call from an unknown number. Generally, I ignore them assuming spam but I had a good feeling that this was not. On the other end was a soft and warm voice asking if I would interview her…
Tea Hawaii & Company
While researching tea companies on the Big Island I discovered that you can take tours of their farms. But like any researcher, you can’t just use Google Maps, you also have to search around the web. That is how I found Eva’s place of paradise. Down a bumpy road through lush vegetation you reach a…
Nelson’s Tea
From yet another traveling tea box has arisen something unique from a company I have not yet discovered. This wonderful little company hosts a broad spectrum of teas without being overwhelming. I always try to find something unique that each company offers. I do not drink much alcohol but I do love a good pina…
Trader Nick’s Tea Company
Walt Disney is famous around the world. Those who enjoy Disney and Star Wars will be sure to find extra joy in this tea company. They have blends for all palates, princesses, and droids. Not to mention their packaging is fun and inviting! After reading the post be sure to check out their website. Website: https://www.tradernickstea.com/…
The Canadian Barley Tea Company
Over the holiday season, we at Steepster will trade advent calendars with tea. I was intrigued by this pitcher-sized packet I received on one of the days and after looking up the company, I knew I had to share them with you. Japanese barley tea isn’t new to me but had not heard of this…