STiR coffee and tea magazine

18 STiR coffee and tea / Issue 4, 2017 (August / September) provided by these farmers, all grown in the lush and nutrient-rich area of Boseong. In addition to this, patrons learnt about the methods involved specifically with growing and processing a typical Korean tea. We are looking forward to seeing more leaps in the market with regards to Korean tea so that the entire world can come to access and enjoy it. [SJ] Khoisan rooibos matcha Capital Teas' Annapolis store will remain open; 10 of 22 others will close High tea at the Langham Hotel, Auckland NEW ZEALAND Langham Hotel Sommeliers The Langham Hotel is providing full tea sommelier training to management and hospitality staff. This will set an unprec- edented level of service within their estab- lishment, paving the way for other luxury hotels and hospitality services to take their own tea service to the next level. Tea service at hotels in the west is typically found lacking; tea bags contain- ing poor-quality, low-grade tea pur- chased from the supermarket are often used, giving tea consumers a disappoint- ing sub-standard experience. This is in comparison with coffee, which has been on the rise in the west and premiumised to the point where many consumers would turn their backs on poor-quality coffee service. By offering this training to staff, the Langham Hotel is making an unprec- edented step forward to capture the hearts of local and international tea lovers passing through their doors, and will be bringing their tea service up to scratch with the state of many establish- ment's sophisticated coffee services — perhaps even beyond. [SJ] South Africa Powdered rooibos Khoisan Tea Pty Ltd, a leading rooibos producer and exporter in Cape Town, South Africa has invested in the latest technology to grind its own organic rooi- bos matcha-like product without affecting the quality of the raw material. US Capital Teas Files Chapter 11 Capital Teas announced July 12 that it has commenced a formal proceeding to reorganize to better position itself for the future. To facilitate this restructur- ing, the company filed a voluntary petition under chapter 11 bankruptcy in the district of Maryland. Capital Teas has obtained interim debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing and is negotiating for an additional DIP financing facility package. Subject to court approval, such financing, com- bined with the company's cash from operations, is expected to provide sufficient liquidity during the chapter 11 process to support its continuing business operations and minimize disruption to customers. "We have conducted an extensive review of alternatives to address Capital Teas' needs, and we believe that pursuing a reorganization through chapter 11 is the best path forward now," said chairman and c.e.o. Peter Martino. "Reducing the company's lease obligations and restruc- turing our debt through the chapter 11 process will best position Capital Teas for future success." The staff was reduced from 149 to 109, said Martino. The company will continue to operate 12 Capital Teas loca- tions in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including its flagship store in historic Annapolis. Gloria Jean's Chicago Deal Retail Food Group (RFG), owners of the Gloria Jean's franchise, has signed its first area rights agreement covering greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. The agreement with Raed Naser represents a departure from the brand's historical North American store-by-store growth model. RFG International c.e.o. Mike Gilbert said the US is one of the fastest growing regions for the Brisbane, Australia-based Gloria Jean's Coffees. "Growth in the US market has been stimulated by rising trends in habitual coffee consumption, together with a growing demand for high-quality espresso coffee offered by respected brands specialising in the coffee space," he said. "The Gloria Jean's Coffees brand was founded in Chicago in 1979, so the region holds a special place for the brand," Gilbert added. Naser plans to open the first of several locations in September. The mix includes drive-thru, multiple street front opportunities, and two kiosk sites in outlet malls. Learn more: rfginternational@rfg.com.au General manager Tobias Gress said "We are cold-stone milling our rooibos and we are offering it under our brand or as a bulk, loose item." Matcha is wildly popular in a variety of dishes, beverages and food items across the globe, said Gress. "The same affecting the quality of the raw material. General manager Tobias Gress said "We are cold-stone milling our rooibos and we are offering it under our brand or as a bulk, loose item." Matcha is wildly popular in a variety of dishes, beverages, and food items across the globe, said Gress. "The same is now also possible with rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), a naturally caffeine- free herbal tisane. "It is sweeter tasting than matcha, is low in tannins and remains naturally caffeine-free and high in antioxidants," he said. Learn more: www.khoisantea.com

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