Questex and the World Tea Conference + Expo named 10 finalists in three categories for the upcoming Devan Shah Tea Tycoons competition and awards program, which will take place at the World Tea Conference + Expo in Las Vegas, March 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The finalists in the three categories, as well as the representatives that will compete, include:
1. Camellia Sinensis Focused Tea Business Category
A product that celebrates tea with a focus on the unique characteristics of Camellia sinensis because of its origin/terroir.
Finalists:
- Sibahle Teas – Regina Brewton-Smith
- Treehouse Teas – Brittnee Lau
- The Connoisseur Portfolio Tea Club – Greg Lui
2. Sustainability Category
Focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Finalists:
- Wild Orchard Regenerative Teas – Michael Ham
- Seven Senses Organic Greek Herbal Teas – Patricia Graells and William Karis
- Four Stages Tea & Herbals – Jenna Kramer
3. Innovation Category
Includes dynamic new ideas, methods or devices that demonstrate clear value for the tea industry.
Finalists:
- Honey Badgers Bee Farm – Derrick Jerome
- SINENSIS – Sharyn Johnston
- Conjure Tea (tied for spot in the competition) – Shania Thomas-Floyd
- Myanmar Tea Leaf (tied for spot in the competition) – Khin Ye Yupar
Note: For each category, only three competitors are allowed. However, this year, there was a tie for one of the spots in the Innovation category, making it four competitors total in that space.
About the Tea Tycoons Awards Competition
The Devan Shah Tea Tycoons is an exciting, entrepreneurial-focused competition and awards program for the tea industry, first held during the World Tea Virtual Summit in March 2021. Now in its third year, the program will be one-again live on stage at the World Tea Conference + Expo.
Overall, the Tea Tycoons program is an opportunity for new tea businesses to receive the ultimate in marketing exposure, as finalists pitch judges – similar to television programs where entrepreneurs pitch their groundbreaking businesses – before a live audience. The competition takes place on the World Tea Expo’s NxT stage, co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo.
The goal of the Devan Shah Tea Tycoons program is to celebrate and honor emerging small businesses that are producing innovative products for the global tea industry. Winners – one in each category – will receive numerous benefits to support the growth of their venture.
“I am always excited about Tea Tycoons,” said FaithAnn Bailes, conference and content manager for the World Tea Conference + Expo. “They are just so thrilled about presenting and talking about their ideas. You can always see the passion and excitement that the contestants have for their new ideas and the hard work that they have put into each project. Giving birth to a new product is truly worth all the long days and lonely nights of perfecting each detail.”
Bailes noted that the tea entrepreneurs competing in Tea Tycoons all worked hard to make their ideas come to fruition during challenging times. “The pandemic made life a true challenge and we all learned to pivot and adjust, which made all of us stronger and smarter,” she said. These true innovators fought and struggled to create a new product in very uncertain times. I applaud anyone who starts a new business during these difficult times.”
In terms of her advice for the competitors, as well as tea entrepreneurs all over the world, Bailes said, “Everything is wide open and there has never been a better time or opportunity to build your empire. If you look up history from the late 1920s to the early 1940s, you’ll see that more millionaires were made during the Great Depression than any other time in history. This is the time for risk takers and brave souls all over the world. I really feel that this might be the time that the tea industry truly shines and the people begin to experience the many facets of tea.”
The winners of the 2023 Tea Tycoons’ will be announced by the judges on the same day of the live and in-person competition on March 28, 2023 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Plan to Attend or Participate in the
World Tea Conference + Expo, March 27-29, 2023
To learn about other key developments, trends, issues, hot topics and products within the global tea community, plan to attend the World Tea Conference + Expo, March 27-29, 2023 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 the World Tea Conference + Expo on social media for details and insights about the event. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.