Tea Biz

Dan Bolton
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Tea Biz

The Voice of Tea Lands Tea Journey Magazine, founded in 2015, and the Tea Biz Blog | Podcast are online resources for tea enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Our expertise lies with tea journalists and local experts who have grown up in the tea lands and speak the native language. The content is authentic, timely, and exclusive, a collaborative effort that enlists 40 voices skilled in 12 languages to tell the story of tea. Coverage spans the breadth from tea discovery and preparation to tourism, lifestyles, health and wellness, culinary tea, and terroir. Our business coverage offers commercial insights supported by rich market data and scientifically backed research. We believe that transparency is rooted in authentic storytelling, featuring nuanced articles about the places and people who passionately live a life in tea. As small niche publications, Tea Journey and the Tea Biz Blog | Podcast rely on reader contributions for most of our income. Please consider donating to help pay the writers and staff who help bring our unique tea content from around the globe. We appreciate your support.

  1. Spotlight |Translating Brand Passion into Profits

    JUN 27

    Spotlight |Translating Brand Passion into Profits

    Founders often create tea products out of deep personal passion. They believe if they love it, others will too. But translating that belief into a message that resonates is challenging. Success starts with knowing your product meets a real need — then communicating not just what it is, but how it makes people feel. Emotion matters, says our guest this week, food and beverage consultant Debbie Wildrick. She explains that sampling helps, but it’s slow and costly. The key to establishing a successful tea brand lies in authentic storytelling, clear messaging, and fostering an emotional connection. That’s how you turn passion into awareness, and awareness into loyal customers. BIO: Debbie Wildrick has over 30 years of leadership experience in sales, marketing, operations, and channel strategy within the consumer-packaged goods industry. A recognized expert in brand building and distribution, she specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale through strategic growth. Debbie spent six years as Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of MetaBrand and now leads her own consulting firm. Her executive background includes roles as President of the Beverage Division at Frey Farms, Executive Vice President at HempFusion, and CEO of Bazi, a Colorado-based nutritional beverage company. She began her career in marketing after earning a degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and previously served as Senior Director of Vault and Proprietary Beverages at 7-Eleven. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min

  2. JUN 27

    Tea News Recap | Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume to Iran | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar Soil?

    Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Unanimous Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume as Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar and Martian Soil? Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    7 min
  3. Ep 219 | Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume to Iran | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar Soil?

    JUN 27

    Ep 219 | Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume to Iran | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar Soil?

    Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Unanimous Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume as Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar and Martian Soil? GUEST | Food and Beverage Brand and Distribution Consultant Debbie Wildrick PLUS | Translating Brand Passion into Profits | Founders often create tea products out of deep personal passion. They believe if they love it, others will too. But translating that belief into a message that resonates is challenging. Success starts with knowing your product meets a real need — then communicating not just what it is, but how it makes people feel. Emotion matters, says our guest this week, food and beverage consultant Debbie Wildrick. She explains that sampling helps, but it’s slow and costly. The key to establishing a successful tea brand lies in authentic storytelling, clear messaging, and fostering an emotional connection. That’s how you turn passion into awareness, and awareness into loyal customers. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    25 min
  4. Spotlight | Relentlessly Pursuing Consistency

    JUN 13

    Spotlight | Relentlessly Pursuing Consistency

    Elite tea tasters can detect minute differences in aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and aftertaste, but few are supertasters; instead, they are masters of association, disciplined to use precise, industry-accepted terms in their evaluations. The best develop deep practical knowledge that bridges production, procurement, and marketing, combining base teas to achieve consistent taste profiles across batches and seasons without compromising quality. Sebastian Michaelis, Head of Tea at Tata Consumer Products, where he oversees the Tetley brand, joins Tea Biz for a fascinating and insightful conversation about the joys and challenges of tasting thousands of teas weekly for over 20 years. BIO: Sebastian Michaelis is the Head of Tea for the International division of Tata Consumer Products. A renowned tea expert with a 20-year career in the tea trade, he has spent a significant portion of his career based in Kenya, Malawi, and India. He oversees sourcing, supply chain, and product development for the Tetley brand. He has worked extensively with the Ethical Tea Partnership, Rainforest Alliance, and other collaborators to support a thriving, socially just, and environmentally sustainable tea sector, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and responsible tea practices. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    14 min
  5. Tea News Recap | Tariffs Costs Mount | Cold Teas are Functional Standouts in the Wellness Beverage Movement | Paris Tea Festival Opens Saturday

    JUN 13

    Tea News Recap | Tariffs Costs Mount | Cold Teas are Functional Standouts in the Wellness Beverage Movement | Paris Tea Festival Opens Saturday

    Tariffs Costs Mount | Iced and Cold-Brewed Teas are Functional Standouts in the Wellness Beverage Movement | Inaugural Paris Tea Festival Opens Saturday Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min
  6. Ep 218 | Tariffs Costs Mount | Cold Teas are Functional Standouts in the Wellness Beverage Movement | Paris Tea Festival Opens Saturday

    JUN 13

    Ep 218 | Tariffs Costs Mount | Cold Teas are Functional Standouts in the Wellness Beverage Movement | Paris Tea Festival Opens Saturday

    Tariffs Costs Mount | Iced and Cold-Brewed Teas are Functional Standouts in the Wellness Beverage Movement | Inaugural Paris Tea Festival Opens Saturday NEWSMAKER – Sebastian Michaelis is the Head of Tea for the International division of Tata Consumer Products, overseeing the Tetley brand. PLUS | Relentlessly Pursuing Consistency | Elite tea tasters can detect minute differences in aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and aftertaste, but few are supertasters; instead, they are masters of association, disciplined to use precise, industry-accepted terms in their evaluations. The best develop deep practical knowledge that bridges production, procurement, and marketing, combining base teas to achieve consistent taste profiles across batches and seasons without compromising quality. Sebastian Michaelis, Head of Tea at Tata Consumer Products, where he oversees the Tetley brand, joins Tea Biz for a fascinating and insightful conversation about the joys and challenges of tasting thousands of teas weekly for over 20 years. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    30 min
  7. Spotlight | TEA: The Drink that Changed the World

    MAY 30

    Spotlight | TEA: The Drink that Changed the World

    TEA: The Drink that Changed the World is a cinematic documentary filmed in stunning 4K deep within China's sacred Wuyi Mountains—the ancient birthplace of Oolong and Black teas. Seven years in the making, this 90-minute film captures exclusive footage of master artisans practicing centuries-old traditions, including rare access to the legendary Da Hong Pao Mother Tree Temple and authentic Gong Fu Cha ceremonies. Now streaming on Amazon Prime, and Tubi the documentary reveals tea's transformation from mystical elixir to global phenomenon. Director Christy Hui joins us to explore the profound cultural impact and commercial evolution of tea. Born in Guangzhou, Christy reveals how this sacred beverage has become humanity's connector, fueling conversations, inspiring creativity, and driving a $260 billion global industry that continues to shape civilizations worldwide. BIO: Christy Hui is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of ActionFliks Media. She is known for creating the Emmy-winning XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN franchise (Warner Bros./Cartoon Network) and the spin-off XIAOLIN CHRONICLES (Disney XD/Netflix, now streaming on Amazon). A creative business executive, she specializes in transforming creative concepts into global entertainment franchises that span games, toys, and consumer products. With over 25 years of building bridges across cultures and industries, Christy has in-depth experience launching ventures across continents—from Sony's pan-Asian satellite channel, AXN, to Gemstar's international rollout of VCR Plus+ consumer technology throughout Latin America and Asia. Her strategic management approach has enabled successful international co-productions, including US-China and US-French collaborations, bringing together diverse creative teams from different cultures. An award-winning content creator, Christy earned her EMBA from the USC Marshall School of Business and enjoys working with creative teams and corporate partners to produce global content, including Emmys, Tellys, and W3 awards. Well-traveled and fluent in both Chinese and English, Christy excels at creating meaningful cross-cultural entertainment content and partnerships. Author of FLYING FILLIES: The Sky's the Limit, she is passionate about transforming ideas into inspiring content that ignites the imagination for a global audience. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    16 min
  8. Tea News Recap | A Splendid Tea Day | Tariff Wars Boost Japan Tea Exports | Lipton Tea Refreshes Brand

    MAY 30

    Tea News Recap | A Splendid Tea Day | Tariff Wars Boost Japan Tea Exports | Lipton Tea Refreshes Brand

    International Tea Day was a Glorious Global Celebration | Japanese Tea Exports Surge Amid Tariff Wars | Lipton Rebrand Reveals Refreshed Logo, Debuts New Blends Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min
See All (389)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Voice of Tea Lands Tea Journey Magazine, founded in 2015, and the Tea Biz Blog | Podcast are online resources for tea enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Our expertise lies with tea journalists and local experts who have grown up in the tea lands and speak the native language. The content is authentic, timely, and exclusive, a collaborative effort that enlists 40 voices skilled in 12 languages to tell the story of tea. Coverage spans the breadth from tea discovery and preparation to tourism, lifestyles, health and wellness, culinary tea, and terroir. Our business coverage offers commercial insights supported by rich market data and scientifically backed research. We believe that transparency is rooted in authentic storytelling, featuring nuanced articles about the places and people who passionately live a life in tea. As small niche publications, Tea Journey and the Tea Biz Blog | Podcast rely on reader contributions for most of our income. Please consider donating to help pay the writers and staff who help bring our unique tea content from around the globe. We appreciate your support.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Bolton
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    389
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Tea Biz

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