Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/491374
STiR tea & coffee industry international 23 Why Choose Rooibos Limited? • Preferred supplier since 1954 • Extensive product range (bulk and packed) with various certifications. • Rooibos Quality Guaranteed means Rooibos of the highest possible quality, produced in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner. RB14.18 www.rooibosltd.co.za ROOIBOS GREEN ROOIBOS HONEYBUSH More about Rooibos Rooibos is a unique tea from the Western Cape region of South Africa that has gained in popularity the world over. Rooibos is naturally caffeine free, low in tannins, contains no oxalic acid and is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, making it the ideal health beverage for young and old. International Offices: SOUTH AFRICA • CHINA / TAIWAN / HONG KONG • JAPAN • SRI LANKA• USA FLAVOURING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT BLENDING CONTRACT PACKAGING benefits are concerned." The purple varietal is known to contain high levels of anthocyanins and catechins which change during oxidation in black tea manufacture to make bitter-tasting theaflavins. Black teas made from the purple varietal are therefore very brisk and astringent. Green teas retain higher levels of catechins and are therefore higher in antioxidants. In Kenya, the tea is manufactured in a similar way to oolongs and has a slightly earthy character. In Kenya, scientists are researching other products (for example, for pharmacological and industrial uses) that could be made from the purple leaf tea plant. Distant Lands Trading Company (DLTC) for $84.78 million (¥10 billion). Ito En says that the acquisition will help the company to continue its growth in overseas markets, especially in North America and to achieve their vision of becoming "a global tea company." DLTC owns coffee farms and process- ing mills, sells roasted and green coffee to foodservice and retail customers, and recently launched a single-serve business which is expected to grow. Ito En, which produces a line of bottled coffee, says that DLTC's sales and distribution networks, its relationships with custom- ers, and its procurement, technological development and production power will help Ito En to reinforce sales and enable the company to offer a wider selection of beverage formats besides plastic bottles of RTD tea. The Dec. 25 transac- tion will be completed in February 2015. Learn more: www.itoen.co.jp KENYA Low Tea Prices Harm Economy A glut of black tea in Kenya is causing a drop in profits for the growers, a drop in revenue for the country, and the possibility that smallholders will uproot their tea bushes in favor for higher earning crops. Small-scale farmers who three years ago made good profits are now earning 40% less per kilo. With flowers and other horticultural products, tea is one of Kenya's major export earners but tea prices have been under pressure globally and Kenya's top grade teas which used to fetch $3.78-$4.38 per kg in 2012, are now selling at $2.10- $3.40 in the Mombasa auctions. Small- holders produce two thirds of Kenya's tea but some have already switched to growing vegetables or to farming cattle. Wilson Tuwei, chairman of cooperative Siret Tea Company, "We are telling our members to diversify." Last month, agriculture minister Felix Koskei urged farmers to keep growing tea, telling them that the government is seeking new buyers in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and has plans to set up a price stabilization fund, which would involve the state buying up some of Kenya's tea when prices are low and selling it onto the global market once prices stabilize, to cushion farmers against fluctuations. Tata Tea Launches Acti Green Tata Tea has launched a new range of green teas to appeal to a growing number of consumers who are drinking more green teas as part of a healthy lifestyle. The new milder blends in excit- ing Indian flavors include Elaichi with cardamom, Tulsi-Nimb with basil and lemon, and regular Green Tea. Launched just before the festive December season, Tata hopes that the new range will appeal to those looking to balance their diet and cleanse their system after overindulgence at the end of 2014. Mr. Vikram Grover, VP and head of marketing at Tata Global Beverages Limited in India & South Asia said, "India is a young and dynamic country on the move. In this, Tata Tea seeks to democratize the benefits of green tea, which helps Indians stay agile and active in the midst of their busy lifestyle." Learn more atwww.tata.com JAPAN Ito En Buys Distant Lands Japan's largest tea company Ito En is acquiring U.S. specialty coffee company