Teas Etc

Bolivian Small Holder Tea Cooperative Partners With Teas Etc

Teas Etc is proud to announce the exclusive North American distribution of Bolivian specialty teas grown by a farmer owned cooperative, ChaiMate'. The agreement brings 100% organic black and green specialty teas from the Andean Mountains of South America to be enjoyed and savored in the cups of North America. 

Grown in the pristine valleys of the Andes Mountains 5000 feet above sea level, unique environmental conditions come together to create these distinct specialty teas. The convergence of cool air from the snow capped peaks of the Andes and the warm moist air of the Amazon provide an environmental synergy that manifests in the extraordinary cup quality, unlike teas from any other origin. 

Fostering a way of life filled with hope and opportunity initiated this unique cooperative. Incorporating the efforts of tea professionals across the globe has resulted in a collaboration encompassing 90% of Bolivia's tea growers. 

After the third consecutive failure to maintain tea production in the region in 2001, rebuilding trust with local farmers was paramount. Cultivating further understanding about producing organic teas from seedling to cup empowered farmers to take charge of their own destinies, ultimately creating a truly sustainable way of life for their families. These hand harvested, orthodox processed, 100% NOP certified organic specialty teas range from whole leaf to broken orange pekoe (BOP) grades. 

Through the efforts of many, the cooperative has been able to develop initiatives aiding in basic life services. The implementation of free day care services, meals and education for older children, as well as the improved opportunities for female workers, are some of the many benefits that uplift the local farm communities. "One visible sign that the cooperative seeks equality not only for the people of rural Bolivia but also for women of the region is the addition of several female workforces which has created 115 additional positions for women seeking jobs" said Beth Johnston, Founder & CEO of Teas Etc. "the environmental attributes of the area are obviously conducive to producing quality specialty teas. However, historically the lack of concern and commitment to honoring the local farm families and the absence of integrative training and education has resulted in failure to nurture and maintain tea in viable way" Johnston said. 

Teas Etc will be showcasing these exciting origin authentic teas at the upcoming World Tea Expo – World Tea Expo is North Americas largest trade only specialty tea show and is taking place in Las Vegas Nevada, June 11th – 13th, 2010. The company will be holding daily tastings and encouraging tea buyers large and small to stop by Booth #601 to taste the experience of unique organic Bolivian teas. 

Teas Etc Inc. is a direct trade supplier of origin authentic teas with a satellite office in Nanjing, China. The Company is USDA Certified Organic, Earth Kosher Certified, and the only female owned company to ever win the hot tea category of the World Tea Championship. Teas Etc is found online at http://www.TeasEtc.com.