Portland, Ore.-based Stash Tea rebranded, repackaged and renewed its commitment as a certified B Corp this fall.
“We are bringing back tea as a cultural catalyst,” announces the new campaign. “Tea is quiet, predictable, and tame. Stash on the other hand… Well, were a little unhinged. And we’ve always been.”
Brand ManagerCarla Marchese explained Stash “wants to empower and nurture a better tomorrow,where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, no matter your gender,race, sexual preference, or nationality. We all have a voice and space tocontribute to how we want our society to be. Stash sees different perspectivesand backgrounds as something positive to be pursued, that makes us stronger andbetter, and I say that through personal experience."
“Throughouthistory, tea has been a cultural catalyst. We want to continue in the samespirit, ensuring the diversity and boldness we apply in creating our teaflavors is also translated to how we contribute to our community,” saidMarchese.
She cited threeexamples of renewed commitment for the brand, which ranks among the top 20 insales of loose and bagged tea in United States’ multioutlet retail, accordingto market research firm IRI.
- In December, for every order placed Stash isdonating $1 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and will then match thetotal in kind. “Similar to Stash, the Boys & Girls Club of America believesin building the leaders of tomorrow. They work to enable young people to reachtheir full potential, having helped over 4.73 million youths in the last yearby giving them access to empowering experiences and opportunities,” wrote Marchese.
- In 2019 the company decreased the amount of materialin tea boxes by approximately 18% saving 203.9 tons per year in waste.
- Stash exclusively uses compostable tea bags madefrom 100% cellulose fibers which means “consumers can rest easy that Stash teais free from microplastics.”
Investors seeking more than profits and enlightened management seeking new investment led several American tea companies to pursue B Corporation Certification. Stash Tea, owned since 1993 by the U.S. division of Yamamotoyama*, Japan, was certified in September 2017.
Stash Tea earned B CorpCertification for meeting the highest standards of verifiedsocial and environmental performance, public transparency, and legalaccountability, publicly committing to balance profit and purpose as theycontinue to grow their business, according to the company.
Stash CEO Nami Yamamoto manages a workplace where women take a strong, central role in the inner workings of Stash tea, which consists of 60% female employees. She said the company “proudly celebrates inclusivity and diversity within the workplace.”
“Stash Tea continues to implement these practices within thecompany to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, while executingstronger sustainability methods in all aspects of the business,” states Stash.
With a commitment to eco-responsible materials andmanufacturing, renewable energy, and strict product verification and qualitycontrol processes, Stash is part of a global community of companies leadingwith purpose and redefining success in business.
"Attaining B Corp status wasn't an arbitrary decision,”said Yamamoto. “We pursued this certification because it completely connects toour commitment of transparency and sustainability, and everything that we areand aspire to be as a brand."
Unconventional Blends
The intent of the “Little Bag of Crazy” campaign is to celebrate being bold. “It anchors the tea at the center of creative moments, innovation and inspiration. Stash Tea seeks to change the modern tea drinking experience for today’s customers, reminding customers everywhere that life is best enjoyed with quirk, a little unconventionality and a dash of humor, explained Marchese, noting Stash was founded in 1972 by two hippies seeking “tea euphoria.”
Ginger Peach Tea and Coconut Mango Oolong, Mojito Mint Green Tea and Matcha and White Peach Oolong are examples of the bold blends. White peach is a Wuyi oolong flavored with white peaches. The Mojito blends Pacific Northwest peppermint, lime and Japanese matcha.
Lemon-Ginger is featured as caffeine free and priced at $3.95 for 20 tea bags. Described as a harmonious fusion of tangy lemon and spicy ginger it contains lemongrass, citrus, ginger root, hibiscus, and safflower. “It is a wide-awake flavor without any caffeine,” and well suited to sweetening with honey.
Stash also brought back a fan favorite called White Christmas that was discontinued in 2016. White Christmas, a limited edition offering, is made from all-natural ingredients and is free from artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. It is Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher Pareve, and gluten-free. The warming tea contains peppermint and ginger.
Stash introduced a gaggle of animated characters representing flavors in a series of 20 Youtube videos. “The commercials are peppered with humor. This includes Perry the Asian Pear getting booted from the band and replaced by a spoon, or the ginger root stripping in excitement over how “deliciously spicy and fruity” Stash Ginger Peach Tea is, according to Stash.
Source: Stash Tea
*Yamamotoyama, founded in Tokyo in 1690, developed a steaming method to create sencha, Japan’s most popular tea since 1738. A century later, in 1835, the company perfected gyokuro. Yamamotoyama has operated a tea and nori seaweed processing facility in Pomona, Calif., near Los Angeles since 1975. It is the world’s oldest family-owned and operated tea company.