The Leafies International Tea Awards for 2024 celebrated the finest teas from around the globe, with nearly 400 entries evaluated by a panel of experts. The awards highlighted significant achievements in tea craftsmanship and sustainability, showcasing a diverse array of flavors from various regions.
Key Highlights and Award Winners
- Taiwan’s Dominance: Taiwan emerged as the standout region, securing eight Gold and 10 Highly Commended awards. LuYu Tea Garden won the prestigious Best in Black award for its exceptional black tea, noted for its depth and balanced flavour.
- Japan’s Excellence: Yame Tea Kumaen received the Best in Show title for its matcha saemidori, praised for its sweet and creamy flavor. Japanese teas collectively earned 16 awards, including six Gold.
- Recognition of Retailers: Islington-based retailer Katsute excelled with multiple awards for premium matcha and other teas. In India, Jay Shree Tea was noted for winning two Gold awards, including one for an innovative Steamed and Panned Darjeeling.
- Sri Lanka and China: Sri Lanka secured seven awards, showcasing high-quality Ceylon teas. China’s Sichuan Emei-shan Zhuyeqing Tea was recognized for its jasmine tea and received The Leafies Pioneer Special Award.
- Emerging Nepali Teas: The Nepali tea community gained recognition with Sandakphu and Nepal Tea Collective both winning Gold awards, underscoring Nepal’s growing prominence in the international tea market.
New Categories and Innovations
This year introduced a new category for Fruit and Herbal Infusions, with Quinta de Soalheiro from Portugal receiving accolades for their Lemon Verbena and Chocolate Mint infusions. Additionally, products like Birchall’s Great Rift Breakfast Blend were recognised for their quality.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Leafies emphasized sustainability and social impact by honoring companies like Kazi Yetuin Tanzania and Kaley Tea in Sri Lanka, which are noted for their environmental stewardship and community empowerment initiatives. Overall, The Leafies 2024 not only celebrated exceptional teas but also highlighted the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability across various regions.
