Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/641418
STiR tea & coffee industry international 55 store or a quaint tea room we can help with store design, packaging, display and the right assortment," said Brinmühl. Indeed, during the past 15 years many more tea stores and tea rooms have sprung up throughout Germany and in many countries in Europe. Tea retail- ing in the coastal areas of the United States is picking up as well. Wollenhaupt supplies a broad line of teas that includes instant, Marco replies. These teas are popular mostly in Southern Europe and Russia. The company is not a major supplier because quality herbs and teas are just too expensive for this price-focused segment, he explains. In the United States, the single cup coffee business is gaining momentum, with 27% in 2015 and in Germany even with 31.4%. Does Marco see the same niche for tea as well? "We are working on cup portion tea options and have created a special department that deals with cutting the tea leaves to the exact right grade ," he said. "We definitely see a future in cup portion tea offerings." According to a recent study by the NCA – the National Coffee Associa- tion of America – traditional coffee – not gourmet – is consumed by signifi- cantly more customers aged 60+, while espresso-based beverages are con- sumed by significantly more proportions of customers aged 18-39 then those in older groups. Does Marco see the same trend in the tea business? "In fact, our various shapes of transparent leaf teabags are designed so that the customer can see the beauty of the tea leaves, the vanilla bean cuts, rosehip peels, goji berries, chamomile flowers, birch leaves to name a few," he said. "Just like in Germany, we see the same trend in the United Sates, where supermarkets tend to offer more premium teas, as their younger clienteles savor teas with new and sophisticated aromas," he said. The well-being line is blended to appeal to this segment. "Is premium hot tea an all year product?" "No", he replied. "Premium hot tea is mostly consumed during the fall and winter months. This is at least true for Europe and the US," Brinmühl explained. "That is why Wollenhaupt created another business years ago: The com- pany has become Europe's leading importer of natural vanilla pods. Fifteen percent of global vanilla passes through our warehouse. We are handling all qualities, from industrial to gourmet. With tea and vanilla, we have created a thriving and very interesting year-round business," he added. A collage of blended teas. Teas are packed in a variety of formats.