The Launch of the Tea Sommelier Concept

"Exploration is Curiosity Put into Action" - Dan Walsh

What does a sommelier mean to you? For many, the term brings about images of elegantly dressed individuals gracefully pouring wine, expertly navigating the notes of grapes, regions, and vintages. But what if the role of a sommelier could go beyond the world of wine, branching into other commodities, such as tea? Enter the exciting launch of the new Tea Sommelier concept, set to change how we enjoy, learn, and understand tea.?

According to a report, the global tea industry generated 49 billion US dollars in 2021 and is estimated to generate 93.2 billion US dollars by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7 percent from 2022 to 2031. Evidently, the global tea market is experiencing rapid growth yet the most consumed tea, is the generic teabag. Is something amiss? Understandably, tea connoisseurs resent the use of teabags, as they leave behind all tradition and the enjoyment of tea rituals that come with loose-leaf tea. Not to mention that teabags are made up of low tea grades like dust and fannings, while loose-leaf tea consists of whole, unbroken leaves. This striking?contrast in quality also translates to a freshness issue which is commonly associated with typical teabags. Have we become accustomed to lower quality tea??

Tea has a fascinating and turbulent history, and it is undeniable that drinking tea and storytelling are deeply intertwined. According to ancient legend, Shennong decided to relax under a Camellia tree on an Autumnal afternoon, and after boiling water, dried leaves from the tea floated down into the cup, sparking the first ever infusion of the tea leaf. Tea was first mentioned in Chinese literature in 2,700 BC, making it over 4,700 years of history that is yet to be explored and shared.?

London Tea Exchange, the luxury tea brand, have a large portfolio of over 300 varieties of premium teas and rare teas. The fact is that most could not name beyond the well-known 6 types of tea, let alone fathom naming over 300 demonstrating a huge knowledge gap. Just how much is out there that we don’t know about tea? Is there a whole story and journey we can take ourselves on when it comes to tea?

?With this rich tapestry of both history and tea, comes the launching of the new Tea Sommelier concept. This concept is set to educate and deep-dive into the complex world of tea – history, flavour, and tradition. Just like a wine sommelier navigates the world of wine, the Tea Sommelier concept can delve into the realms of tea, assisting individuals to become a steward of tea culture, preserving age-old traditions all whilst embracing innovation and experimentation.?

In recent years more and more bustling urban cafes and serene tea houses nestled in peaceful corners of the world have been cropping up, demonstrating society’s growing demand to share the intricacies of the world of tea. The idea of the Tea Sommelier concept is to equip enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the vast world of tea, from delicate green teas to robust black varieties, from fragrant herbal infusions to rare and prized blends. As the world embraces the art of tea appreciation, the role of the Tea Sommelier promises to evolve and expand, offering new avenues for exploration and discovery. Just as a fine wine can bring about memories of a place or time, a perfectly brewed cup of tea has the power to transport us and awaken our senses.?

In a society driven by the pursuit of taste and authenticity, the Tea Sommelier concept stands as a beacon of knowledge and passion, inviting us to savour the simple pleasures of life while embarking on a journey that promises to bring in a new era in tea culture. Here, knowledge and passion interlink?to boost?our sensory experiences and deepen our appreciation of this much-loved drink.