World Tea Expo 2023 exhibitor Luxmi Estates – an estate-to-cup tea brand that’s synonymous with premium quality teas – recently introduced some new products and blends in the wellness tea category, an area in which the company has many offerings.
The new products include Vanilla Matcha + Probiotics, Pure Matcha and Chamomile Pure.
Rudra Chatterjee, managing director of Luxmi Tea Group, said there’s been a significant shift in consumer preferences in terms of food and beverages and personal care products.
“Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are looking for natural alternatives when it comes to products of daily use,” said Chatterjee. “The tea industry and tea as a beverage have seen a similar trend. Consumers are preferring herbal teas and teas with natural ingredients in their daily rituals. The main driving force for consumers to make this choice is to have a more balanced and environmentally conscious lifestyle.”
Chatterjee explained that consumers are seeking more natural, organic, and chemical- and preservative-free food and beverages. “Teas made from functional herbs, flowers, plant extracts and botanicals are gaining interest and popularity,” he said. “Wellness is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.”
Chatterjee said herbal teas have been a part of many people’s daily lives for ages, and traditional homemade recipes and “kadhas” have been a part of wellness rituals: “From ginger to chamomile, from Tulsi to cardamom and cinnamon, from lime to pepper and clove, turmeric, licorice and ashwagandha have benefits like boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, helping in digestion, and improving heart and gut health.”
According to Chatterjee, the global trend of herbal teas represents a collective shift towards a more natural, holistic and mindful way of living. “With their rich cultural heritage, health benefits, and diverse flavors, herbal teas have captured the imagination of people worldwide,” he said.
Overall, Luxmi Tea and its tea estates aim to provide consumers with a daily wellness ritual, while establishing Luxmi as a partner in this wellness journey. And the company’s new wellness offerings promote organic, pure ingredients without any artificial preservatives.
Luxmi is also of the first organic tea estates in the world, and one of the only Indian tea companies to exist without ever having been operated by the British. Their estate portfolio also includes the world’s oldest biodynamic farm at Makaibari, where some of the world's most singular (and expensive) teas are grown.
Thoughts on Matcha and Herbals, Their Rising Popularity with Consumers
Luxmi Tea’s new Vanilla Matcha + Probiotics blend is a fusion of the rich essence of vanilla with the vibrant energy of matcha, with the added benefits of gut-loving probiotics. And the new Pure Matcha is Luxmi’s ceremonial grade matcha, sourced from tea gardens in Japan’s Kyoto region.
“The past decade has been very defining for matcha,” shared Chatterjee. “Matcha has gained significant popularity around the world. North America has definitely seen a growth in the popularity of matcha tea plus matcha being used as an ingredient for infused food and drinks. From first becoming a staple on most cafe menus to now whole tea bars for matcha in downtowns of major cities, it has been a rapid growth, indeed. Many cafés and restaurants are making matcha a regular feature.”
Chatterjee said that matcha comes with many health benefits that are attractive for consumers, especially those who are already interested in natural wellness products.
“Being high in caffeine but also L-theanine, matcha’s main functional hook has been energy but without the jitters and caffeine crash,” he said. “Secondly, matcha is a very versatile ingredient, an easy and vibrant ingredient for creating desserts, savory dishes and drinks.”
Social media has also fueled interest in matcha, with many influencers and content creators showcasing matcha and matcha-infused food and drinks, noted Chatterjee.
“It is safe to say the future of matcha looks bright and promising in North America,” Chatterjee promised. “Due to its health benefits and usage in creating other dishes, popularity of matcha will see an upward trajectory. With the increase in availability and awareness of matchs, it’s all set to become a mainstream beverage in North America.”
But it’s not just matcha that’s popular in the wellness space. Herbal teas continue to trend in a big way, and Luxmi recently launched its new Chamomile Pure in the category.
“Herbal teas have gained prominence in self-care and wellness rituals globally,” said Chatterjee. “Consumers are interested in exploring different cultures and the traditional use of ingredients for wellness and treating health issues. Being mindful of one’s life choices is gaining popularity and making healthier choices is one major factor of this practice. This aspect resonates with individuals seeking balance and stress relief in their daily lives.”
Chatterjee reminded us that herbal teas or tisanes can be single or multi-ingredient concoctions that contain various ingredients to help boost immunity, reduce inflammation and blood pressure, managing stress and sleep disorders, support weight loss and digestion, or maintaining good heart and gut health.“
Herbal teas can also serve as a gateway to different cultures and to experience the wholesome benefits of natural ingredients… They also can come in a wide range of flavors and tastes, giving consumers an amazing sensory experience. From floral notes to spicy undertones, herbal teas can make for an interesting taste palate.”
Chatterjee pointed out that herbal teas are readily available now, and the choices for an online consumer are vast. “Caffeine-free teas are also found in stores, cafes and even airports,” he said. “As individuals continue to prioritize their well-being and seek out alternatives to traditional beverages, the trend of herbal teas is likely to continue its upward trajectory.”
In addition to focusing on the latest trends, Luxmi Estates (sometimes referred to as Luxmi Tea) – founded in 1912 in India – is committed to providing the best quality of tea, maintaining sustainable harvesting methods, and safeguarding the ecosystems that surround our tea estates.
“Over a century, we have delivered world-class tea, creating the best leaf to produce the best tea and never compromising on the quality of tea,” shared Chatterjee. “Tea at Luxmi Tea Company is tasted by tea experts and passes through strict quality checks. The ecosystem and the lives of the people of the estates are the major priority of the company. The company firmly believes that all these are a part of the company and we all grow together.”
To learn more about Luxmi Estates, visit LuxmiEstates.com.
Don’t Miss the Weekly World Tea News eNewsletter! Get your free subscription, if you’re not already subscribed, by clicking here.
Plan to Attend or Participate in World Tea Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about other key developments, trends, issues, hot topics and products within the global tea community, plan to attend World Tea Expo, March 18-20, 2024 in Las Vegas, co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo. Visit WorldTeaExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the World Tea Conference + Expo, or to enquire about advertising and sponsorship opportunities at World Tea News, contact:
Ellainy Karaboitis-Christopoulos
Business Development Manager, Questex
Phone: +1-212-895-8493
Email: [email protected]
Also, be sure to stay connected with World Tea Expo on social media for details and insights about the event. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.