The Tea Tycoons competition and awards program is returning to the World Tea Conference + Expo for the 2023 event, which takes place March 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Tea Tycoons allows new businesses to “pitch” their business concept to a panel of experts for pride and prize. It’s like Shark Tank for the tea world, and it’s an opportunity for the participants to receive the ultimate in marketing exposure.
Three Key Categories
The competition centers around three categories for 2023:
- Camellia Sinensis Focused Company (the first year for this category): A product that celebrates tea with a focus on the unique characteristics of Camellia sinensis because of its origin/terroir.
- Sustainability: A business that focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
- Innovation: Companies that offer dynamic new ideas, methods or devices that demonstrate clear value for the tea industry.
(Photo by: Questex / World Tea Conference + Expo)
How to Apply for the 2023 Tea Tycoons Competition
To enter the 2023 Tea Tycoons competition, tea entrepreneurs and businesses need to apply by Jan. 29, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Apply now!
To qualify to apply, businesses must be a new business, brand, product or innovation with no more than five years in business. Applicants must employ less than 10 employees, cannot be owned or funded by a large corporation, may not have exhibited previously at World Tea Conference + Expo, and they need to be a first-time applicant. View all qualifications and regulations here.
Nine finalists (three in each category) will be chosen to present to the judges on March 28, 2023, to compete for three winner’s prizes. If selected to participate, businesses will be notified by Jan. 31, 2023, to submit a video no longer than two minutes about their new company/brand/product/innovation.
The winners will be chosen by the Tea Tycoons’ judges and announced on the same day of the live and in-person competition on March 28, 2023 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. View the perks of winning here.
What Companies Won the Tea Tycoons Competition in 2022?
The 2022 winners, who all competed and presented on stage at the 2022 World Tea Conference + Expo, include:
- Sustainability: Littorary
- Unique Customer Relations: Cured Leaves Tea Company
- Innovation: Clarke’s Tea
Looking back on the Tea Tycoons competition at the World Tea Conference + Expo in March 2022, FaithAnn Bailes, conference and content manager for the event, said, “I was so happy about the first live Tea Tycoons in 2022. The judges were amazing, the audience was so supportive and the contestants were so nervous. It was fun! I was thrilled for each contestant, as they got ready to pitch to the judges and then take a deep breath once it was all over. The winners were so tickled, and I was so thrilled for them. I really think that their individual passions came through to the audience – it did to me – and that’s what made it so special. We all want everyone to be successful and make their dreams come true, it gives us a nice feeling.”
To learn more about the 2022 competition and the 2022 winners, click here to read a news report at World Tea News.
To submit your application for the 2023 Tea Tycoons competition (the deadline to apply is Jan. 29, 2023, 11:59 p.m. ET), or to learn more about the competition and awards program, click here.
(Photo by: Questex / World Tea Conference + Expo)
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.