STiR coffee and tea magazine

STiR coffee and tea 17 Teepack has introduced Michael Opel as the company's new global sales manager, focusing on the North and South American markets. Michael brings with him comprehensive experience in bulk solids, as well as experience on several blending projects for the tea and herbal infusions industries. "I look forward to developing and implementing new ideas while making companies more sustainable and successful," said Opel. Founded in 1948, Teepack operates in over 50 countries and has delivered more than 3,000 tea packing machines for its patented double- chamber tea bags, which allow for maximum infusion, aroma, and flavor. Teepack is known for manufacturing highly efficient and durable machines that last for generations. Teepack Names New Global Sales Manager Michael Opel, global sales manager, Teepack. Photo courtesy Teepack In September, the Tea Association of the USA firmly pressed the Com- merce Department for relief from tariffs imposed during Trump's last term in office: "Due to the disproportionate economic harm these tariffs have had on the US tea industry and US consumers, our recommendation, once again, is to remove black and green teas, instant tea, and tea extracts from the product list." Association president Peter Goggi writes, "Our position regarding tariffs on tea remains unchanged." In 2019, Jason Walker, marketing director, Firsd testified at congressio- nal hearings on proposed tariffs. "It was our position, then, as now, that these tariffs would hurt US tea businesses and consumers more than China's tea industry." Walker explains that Chinese exports to the US "are a drop in the bucket" compared to domestic consumption and other trade partners. In the US, Chinese tea imports represent about 10% of total tea imports for consumption, comprising 30% of all organic certified tea imports and 30% of all green tea imports. Walker writes that these include uniquely valuable specialty teas pro- duced nowhere outside China. This could be catastrophic for small and medium businesses that offer specialty tea—it would be similar to telling dedicated wine customers that their favorite French wines are no longer within their price range and expecting them to be satisfied with Australian wines instead. In 2018, China retaliated when the US imposed 15% to 25% tariffs by imposing a 15% or 25% tariff on US goods, including pork, fruit, and tree nuts. By Dan Bolton According to the Consumer Brands Association, food and beverage prices and inflation are expected to increase with tariffs. US Tea Industry Responds to Potential Tariffs Tea Report

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