Nurturing the Earth, Enhancing Flavours, and Sustaining Communities, is what AVANTCHA Tea is doing, says Marina Rabei, Co-founder & Managing Partner.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of choosing organic tea. According to Fortune Business Insight, the global organic tea market size was USD 820.8 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 1,918.7 million by 2027[1]. People are better informed about the different types and origins of tea and desire an authentic tea-drinking experience.
The journey of organic tea production begins with a profound connection to the earth. It’s a commitment to sustainable farming practices, prioritising the land’s well-being and enhancing the final product’s flavour and quality.
Organic tea farming starts with nurturing the soil. Instead of relying on synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers, you employ natural methods to enrich the earth. Where our farmers are not accredited as organic, we ensure that they work within the parameters of our rigorous AVANTCHA ‘Natural Farming’ protocols that audit and test teas and botanicals to ensure they are pesticide-free and produced under organic principles. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the soil but also ensures that the tea bushes receive the vital nutrients they need to thrive. Healthy soil, in turn, contributes to the unique flavour profiles of teas. The terroir, the specific combination of soil, climate, and environmental conditions, also plays a significant role in shaping the taste of tea leaves. Organic cultivation methods emphasise biodiversity and soil health, which can enhance the terroir’s influence on the tea’s aroma, flavour, and texture.
The commitment to organic tea production is protecting the environment. Mass production agriculture that prioritises quantity over quality often leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to beneficial insects and wildlife. Organic farming, on the other hand, minimises these negative impacts. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic tea farming helps preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems and supports the survival of pollinators like bees. Moreover, organic tea farming typically utilises sustainable water management practices, reducing the strain on local water resources. This benefits the environment and preserves the future of the tea industry.
Additionally, producing quality organic teas goes beyond the soil and environment. It is also about fostering meaningful connections with the local farmers and producers. Working closely with them ensures that we understand the conditions and processes that shape each harvest while unveiling the rich narratives woven into the tapestry of the gardens and the people who tend to them. By cultivating such relationships, we can better inform and influence farming decisions and collaborate on improving techniques and technologies, which, in turn, means that our supply chain is all the more transparent and stronger as a result. This collaborative approach guarantees that every contributor in the journey, from the garden to that moment of the first sip, reaps the rewards of a shared commitment to uncompromising tea excellence.
Tea is not just a beverage but an invitation to indulge in mindful moments that enrich your daily life. From Japanese tea ceremonies to tea sharing in Chinese culture and the social bonding over tea in India, the act of preparing and consuming tea has deeper significance. When you choose organic tea, you are not just selecting a product; you are embodying a lifestyle that celebrates the art of tea, the pursuit of well-being, and the joy of shared moments. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices, choosing organic tea is not merely an option; it is a conscious act that harmonises the well-being of our planet and our souls.
With a commitment to sustainability, sensory delight, and blending tradition with modernity, we at AVANTCHA convert tea drinking into a lifestyle, making each sip a profound and immersive voyage. So, the next time you savour a cup of organic tea, remember that you are not just drinking a beverage, you are partaking in a journey that spans from the soil to the soul.
[1] https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/organic-tea-market-100804