The North American tea industry has progressed in big ways over the last two decades, and tea pioneers and leaders have elevated the trade, innovated and educated consumers.
However, today the industry is evolving in fresh and exciting ways, attracting new customers and a younger generation of tea drinkers who are embracing all things tea – from traditional to the untraditional.
Think boba/bubble tea, matcha innovations, premium ready-to-drink (RTD) teas, hard and sparkling teas, herbal and functional/wellness teas, inspired tea blends, access to more specialty teas from smallholder farms, better quality tea at restaurants, new teas on the grocery shelf, tea cocktails and mocktails, new recipes and infusions, kombucha tea, cutting edge tea ware and equipment, and more.
As a result, Questex’s World Tea Conference + Expo is evolving, too.
In addition to re-naming the event World Tea Expo, Questex is turning the World Tea brand on its head, taking a modern approach as it continues to support the global tea industry and key vertical market buyers.
One recent innovation or step toward growing World Tea Expo was expanding its audience through the co-located Bar & Restaurant Expo. The 2023 co-located events gathered more than 11,000 participants.
“We’re giving World Tea an infusion of fresh ideas for the new era of tea,” said Tim McLucas, vice president of Questex’s Bar & Restaurant Group, organizer of World Tea Expo and World Tea News. “It’s an exciting time in the North American tea market. The tea industry is evolving, and so are we!”
McLucas explained that there’s been a renewed interest in tea as businesses take tea to new heights, and as new tea drinkers explore and embrace whatever kind of tea sparks their interest. “It’s inspiring, and we look forward to gathering and guiding the industry through this next wave in tea,” he said.
The new World Tea brand features bright, bold colors and a modern design that reflects how the industry is progressing. And the expo itself is now embracing every aspect and corner of the tea industry – from leaf to cup (and even can, bottle or cocktail glass) – as well as cutting-edge trends and products, showcasing the fresh new approach. Visitors to WorldTeaExpo.com and WorldTeaNews.com will also see some of the exciting changes at the re-designed websites.
“The global tea community should be delighted about the direction the tea market is going in North America, as we’re seeing significant new opportunity through innovation and a new generation of tea enthusiasts,” said McLucas. “World Tea is at the center of it all – a vibrant, dynamic community of tea leaders, suppliers and vertical market buyers – bringing everyone together to embrace and tackle this new tea journey.”
The Tea Market Is Evolving
So, where’s the North American tea market headed, and how is tea evolving around the globe? Here’s a peek at just some of the highlights:
- Gen Zers, who have a knack for thriftiness and the latest trends, are discovering tea as an affordable luxury for mindful moments and everyday rituals – and they’re driving new sales.
- Many consumers are drinking tea and tea mocktails as an alternative to alcohol, while others look to tea as the latest cocktail infusion.
- Bubble/boba tea is on fire in the United States, and many companies are leading the way.
- New evidence continues to support the role of tea in promoting optimal health, and consumers are paying attention and turning to tea.
- Data shows that Amazon searches for a number of tea-related keywords are on the rise, as more consumers are seek the tea products they want the most.
- The extensive demand for iced tea is expected to continue with the arrival of trendy and flashy flavors.
- The RTD hard tea segment is hot, and many companies are launching new products.
- North America’s kombucha market is increasing, based on more demand for natural beverages and consumers’ strong focus on nutrition, health and wellness.
- Yerba mate sales are climbing around the globe, and the American Yerba Mate Association is paving the way in the United States.
- The beauty and cosmetics industry is also innovating with tea, stirring up new tea-based products and creating opportunities for tea businesses.
- Overall, the traditional U.S. tea market grew in 2022 in both imports and dollars, and the global craft tea market is projected to increase through 2031.
Focused Buying, Selling, Networking & Education to Support the Industry
All of the above trends and more will be explored in various ways at the rebranded World Tea Expo, which blends fresh ideas, the latest trends and new distribution channels, along with focused buying, selling, networking and education. The next event takes place March 18-20, 2024, in Las Vegas.
World Tea Expo is the largest and most influential gathering of the tea industry, focused on supporting tea businesses of all kinds that want to make an impact in the North American tea market and around the globe.
The event also supports key vertical markets that want to profit from tea, such as retail and grocery, restaurants and bars, foodservice, hotels and many more.
“World Tea Expo is a must-attend opportunity for businesses that want to capitalize on the growing tea category to the fullest, as well as tea companies that are looking to reach a highly qualified and engaged audience of vertical market buyers,” said McLucas. “Let's modernize the future of tea together. Let’s get inspired and move the industry forward in exciting new ways.”
World Tea Expo is a division of the Questex Travel & Hospitality Group, which also produces Bar & Restaurant Expo, Vibe Conference, and in-depth news and features at World Tea News and BarandRestaurant.com.
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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.