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Bigelow introduces novel coconut and green tea mixes

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Lipton presents all-natural iced tea range

Lipton Iced Tea, a product of Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership, is adding 4 new all-natural products to its range. The beverages contain only simple and natural ingredients: tea, sugar and natural flavors. The 100% Natural range will be available from April 2011 in four varieties: Green Tea with Citrus, Iced Tea with Lemon, Iced Tea with Blueberry Pomegranate and Green Tea with Passionfruit Mango. The 20oz bottles will retail for $0.99 to $1.59. Their launch will be supported by a national advertising campaign. The company seeks to benefit from growth in the natural beverage category and tap into the natural ingredient trend, which consumers associate with health and wellness. In 2010, ready-to-drink tea was the fastest growing category in the liquid refreshment beverage market.

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Tea giant Tetley launches tea-scented perfume

Tetley, one of the largest tea brands in the world, has introduced a tea-scented perfume in the UK. Le Brew was created in response to tea being one of the favorite smells for UK consumers. According to research, people find the smell of tea relaxing. It comes fourth, after fresh bread, cut grass and clean laundry. Tetley's senior taster suggests that the fragrance is reminiscent of freshly cut tea and the tropical scents in a tea plantation. The limited edition Le Brew perfume is available from Tetley Tea Store and is priced at £15 ($25).

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Honest diversifies into cocoa drinks

Honest Tea has launched a new line of cocoa beverages, days after being bought out by the Coca-Cola company. Honest CocoaNova is a low-calorie cacao infusion that contains antioxidants and 50mg of theobromine, a bitter powder naturally found in dark chocolate. It is made using organic and FairTrade certified cacao beans and contains 50 calories per 10oz bottle. The range is made up of Mint Cacao, Mocha Cacao and Cherry Cacao and will be available from April 2011. The retail price is set at $1.99. According to the organic beverage maker, the company has been working on the concept since 2006.

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Teavana recalls tea due to possible health risk

Teavana Corporation has announced a voluntary recall of 2659 lbs of its peppermint herbal tea, because of possible contamination with Salmonella. Aromatics Inc., a company that produces and distributes the product on behalf of Teavana, issued a notification of a possible contamination after a sample test. Salmonella is a bacteria that may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as children and elderly. Teavana has ceased to sell and distribute the product, and is investigating the circumstances of the contamination with the FDA. The peppermint tea was distributed nationwide in Teavana retail stores, through mail orders and online.

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Tea Forte highlights women's heart issues

In recognition of February American Heart Month, Tea Forte, a gourmet tea manufacturer, has launched a special collection of teas to highlight the issue of heart disease among women. The company has teamed up with WomenHeart (the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease) to introduce a heart shaped box filled with antioxidant-rich green teas to combat heart problems. The special boxes come in small and large sizes and retail for $12 and $20 respectively. According to the company, 42 million women are currently living with or at risk for heart disease in the US and 60 percent of younger women, ages 20-39, have one or more of the risk factors for developing heart disease.

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Steaz adds zero calorie iced teas

The Healthy Beverage Company, manufacturers of Steaz iced teas, has introduced four new varieties of zero calorie drinks. The Zero Calorie Iced Teaz are made with organic and FairTrade green tea and are sweetened with stevia. The four new flavors are Citrus, Raspberry, Peach Mango and a Half and Half (Green Tea and Lemonade).The new line will be available at Whole Foods Market, Kroger and other stores nationwide beginning in mid-February 2011.

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Arizona launches enhanced water line

Arizona Beverage Co., a soft beverage and iced tea manufacturer, is introducing a line of enhanced waters, infused with a proprietary blend of Twinlab vitamins and antioxidants. All products contain Arizona's classic green tea extract as an antioxidant packed base. In addition to this, each flavor has its own function. For example, Berry Blend, that contains L-Theanine and lemon balm extract, claims to help the body deal with daily stress. The Rescue Water range is available in 20.5oz. (0.6l) PET bottles and retails $1.39-$1.89 per bottle.

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Herbal relaxation line launched by Tea Forte

Tea Forte, a gourmet tea manufacturer, is introducing a line of herbal relaxation teas. The caffeine-free range is certified organic and FairTrade, and aims to combat the negative effects of daily stress. The range also benefits from recyclable packaging and biodegradable sachets. Varieties include mixes of rooibos tea and various herbs, fruits and berries. A tin of Herbal Retreat Relaxation Teas has a suggested retail price of $8.95.

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Sanctuary T creates on-the-go tea pouches

Sanctuary T, a tea manufacturer from New York City, is launching a line of portable tea pouches. Dubbed BYOT (bring your own tea), the product consists of a plastic pouch containing disposable unbleached paper teabags filled with whole-leaf loose tea. According to the company, it is a convenient solution to enjoy premium loose tea anywhere. BYOT range is comprised of 10 varieties, including signature Sanctuary T blends and gourmet varieties such as Tiekwanyen and Genmaicha. Each pack holds 10 pouches and retails for $6.99.

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Honest Tea to abandon kombucha category

According to reports, Honest Tea is quitting the kombucha market due to ambiguities in the regulatory framework. The company is concerned that the future of this category is uncertain given the continuous scrutiny from the US Trade and Taxation Bureau. Unpasteurized kombucha, a type of fermented tea, has attracted attention this summer due to the discovery of alcohol levels beyond legal limits for products sold as non-alcoholic beverages. Many companies scrambled to find solutions to get the alcohol levels below the 0.5% ABV limit after the drinks were pulled from supermarket shelves nationwide. Honest Tea was sourcing its kombucha beverages from High Country Kombucha, based in Colorado.

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Tea sommelier brings out tea cookbook

Cyntha Gold, a tea sommelier from Arlington, MA, has published a book about cooking with tea. The first section of the cookbook focuses on tea itself, with flavor profiles, culinary applications and pairings, and concepts of cooking with tea. Part two features more than 150 recipes. "Culinary Tea: More Than 150 Recipes Steeped in Tradition from Around the World" details a diversity of culinary techniques that are very approachable, using ingredients that would be easy to find. According to the author, the goal of using tea in the kitchen is not to make food taste like tea, but to balance sweetness or richness, add depth of flavor, or layers of complexity.

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Samovar goes green with eco-friendly packaging

Samovar, a tea retailer with three stores in San Francisco, has introduced containers made entirely from compostable material for its full line of teas. The new packaging uses post-consumer recycled cardboard for its exterior shell, water based inks, and wood-based fiber material. Samovar is the first tea company to introduce a sustainable container that, if composted, would turn to soil within a couple of months. According to owner Jesse Jacobs, the idea was to find a packaging solution that would biodegrade just like the tea leaves, with a vastly smaller carbon footprint than conventional containers.

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Fuze and Gold Peak expand product ranges

Fuze and Gold Peak brands, owned by Coca-Cola, are rolling out two new tea beverages each. Fuze will launch a raspberry flavored tea and an unsweetened version of green tea in December 2010. Gold Peak tea will have tropical and green tea flavors available in early 2011. Both additions, developed over a period of 6 moths, reflect high demand for tropical and raspberry flavors in foodservice, while green tea has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two years because of its health benefits. According to Coca-Cola, as the fresh-brewed tea market continues to grow, operators are seeking new options to satisfy health-conscious customers with a variety of taste preferences.

... read more about Fuze and Gold Peak expand product ranges
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Teavana announces new product lineup for 2011

Teavana, a specialty tea retailer with over 150 stores in the US, has unveiled a new collection of teas and blends for the upcoming year. The current range of more than 100 varieties will benefit from 2 new flavored white teas, 6 new green teas, 5 oolongs and many black varieties. Herbal category will be expanded with several yerba mate and rooibos blends. In conjunction with the tea launch, Teavana is adding new gift collections, teapots, and other accessories in time for the upcoming holiday season.

... read more about Teavana announces new product lineup for 2011
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Cooper Tea launches iced tea concentrate in mini-bottles

Cooper Tea has announced the launch of B.W. Cooper's Iced Brew Tea in 4oz. / 120ml mini-bottles. The tea concentrate is made from real brewed tea leaves and contains no artificial flavors or colors. It is also environmentally-friendly, with significantly less packaging than eight single-serve 16 ounce bottles of tea. Each pocket-sized mini-bottle makes 4 quarts (3.8l) of tea. Initially, the product can be found in select Sheetz convenience stores across the US. The retail price is set at $1.99.

... read more about Cooper Tea launches iced tea concentrate in mini-bottles
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Stash Tea introduces rare Guayusa blends

Stash Tea, a manufacturer of gourmet teas, released seven new tea blends featuring a rare herbal tea called Guayusa. The naturally caffeinated herbal tea stems from the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador where it has been consumed for more than 2000 years. It has a rich and earthy aroma with a sweet finish. According to the company, Guayusa is naturally caffeinated and has an energizing effect similar to coffee or Yerba Mate, but provides a slow release of caffeine for alertness and energy, without the jitters or sudden caffeine crash. The lineup includes blends with green, black, rooibos and several other tea varieties.

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Coca-Cola unveils niche tea drink from Japan

Coca-Cola is introducing a new blended tea drink originating from Japan. Sokenbicha, an unsweetened bottled tea with no calories, is aimed at people who are open to alternative health remedies. The drink will be available in 5 varieties, including green tea and a blend of cinnamon and ginger. Besides low-key marketing, there are plans to promote the beverage to chiropractors, acupuncturists and spa operators. It will hit store shelves at Whole Foods from October. Sokenbicha is Coke's largest tea brand in Japan. The idea behind the project stems from a small group inside Coca-Cola charged with finding and marketing niche products.

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Honest kombucha back on Whole Foods Market shelves

Honest Tea has reintroduced its kombucha products to store shelves at Whole Foods Market across the US. Following a voluntary withdrawal of all brands of raw kombucha from store shelves in June due to high alcohol content, Honest Tea has developed a proprietary process to brew Honest Kombucha that allows for the benefits of raw, unpasteurized kombucha while ensuring lower, more stable alcohol levels. Honest Kombucha is available in five low sugar varieties: Berry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, Peach Mango, Maqui Berry Grapefruit and Apple Jasmine with 35 calories and 7 grams of sugar per serving. Honest Kombucha will be available at Whole Foods Market stores and other natural food stores nationwide the last week in August 2010 at a suggested retail price of $3.49 - $3.99.

... read more about Honest kombucha back on Whole Foods Market shelves
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Hall of Fame introduces iced tea based on ad character

Hall of Fame Beverages, makers of functional and energy drinks, is the latest company to create a ready-to-drink iced tea. Grand Ma Ma's Sweet Southern Tea is based on the character of Grand Ma Ma from Converse shoe commercials, played by former basketball star Larry Johnson. This line of flavored teas is currently in development and will come in sweetened natural flavors. The beverage is produced in Tampa, Florida and will be distributed initially by Elmira Distributing Company of New York, as well as by direct store delivery process. The launch campaign will be supported by Larry Johnson himself.

... read more about Hall of Fame introduces iced tea based on ad character
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Businessman Trump launches own gourmet tea line

Donald Trump, the famous businessman known for many audacious business ventures, has launched a gourmet tea line bearing his name. Trump Tea stems from a partnership between Talbott Teas, a purveyor of upscale teas, and The Trump Organization. The range, comprised of exclusively formulated whole leaf tea blends, includes four varieties: The Park Avenue, The Union Square, The Mar-a-Lago and The Westchester. The premium tea blends are packaged in a keepsake tins, filled with pyramid sachets of whole leaf tea and organic ingredients. The Trump Tea collection will be available at select retailers starting this fall.

... read more about Businessman Trump launches own gourmet tea line
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Campbell Soup adds tea to fruit and veg drink line

Campbell Soup Company is expanding its lineup of V8 V-Fusion beverages, which combine fruit and vegetable juices, with new products containing green tea. According to the manufacturer, V8 V-Fusion + Tea provides a combined serving of vegetables and fruit (1/4 cup vegetables and 1/4 cup of fruit) in each 8-oz (250ml) serving, along with antioxidants from natural green tea. The line extension includes 3 flavors: Raspberry Green Tea, Pomegranate Green Tea and Pineapple Mango Green Tea. The drinks will be available in the US from October.

... read more about Campbell Soup adds tea to fruit and veg drink line
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Compostable tea infuser receives government grant

The Tea Spot, a company manufacturing a patent pending compostable tea infuser, has received a US government grant to help bring the product to market. The Small Business Innovation Research grant, awarded by the US Department of Agriculture, aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector and help address important scientific problems. The bio-based disposable loose tea infuser, called ecosteep, fits in standard to-go cups and allows tea leaves enough room to fully infuse. The grant will allow the manufacturer to select a fitting renewable and biodegradable material and help determine the life-cycle environmental impact of the infuser.

... read more about Compostable tea infuser receives government grant
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Honest unveils first bottled tea with stevia

After several years in the pipeline, Honest Tea is launching the first ready-to-drink organic bottled tea naturally sweetened with organic stevia. Passion Fruit Green Tea with Maqui Berry combines sweet and tart notes of passion fruit with maqui berry, the South American superfruit. It is the first zero calorie tea naturally sweetened with organic stevia extract,a leafy plant native to South America that is sweeter than sugar, but does not contain any calories. According to the company's CEO, the drink took a while to develop, because the ingredient was not allowed as an ingredient in beverages and it was hard to formulate a drink with the right taste and function. The 16.9oz (500ml) bottle will retail for $1.79.

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Whole Foods pulls all kombucha teas from shelves

Whole Foods is removing all kombucha teas from its stores because of concerns over slightly elevated alcohol levels. Data indicates that kombucha, a fermented and sweetened tea, may contain levels of alcohol above 0.5% ABV, which would require a government warning in the US. According to the grocery giant, a couple dozen kombucha suppliers have agreed to voluntarily withdraw the products, available in bottles and on tap, to review these potential labeling issues for a swift resolution. Kombucha is one of the best-selling beverages available at Whole Foods, which has more than 290 stores in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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Iced tea winners named in US Tea Championship

Organizers of the World Tea Championships announced winners of the 2010 North American Tea Championship Iced Tea Class competition. The first place winners in 13 different categories, ranging from unflavored to herbal varieties in ready-to-drink and food service sectors, go to: Adagio Teas, Ito En, China Mist Brands, New Leaf Brands, The Republic of Tea, Rishi Tea, S&D Coffee, Shangri-La Tea Company, TeaGschwendner and True Brew. The championship, held for the third year in a row, received more than 80 applications from premium tea manufacturers. According to market research, ready-to-drink teas were the fastest-growing category of refreshment beverage in the U.S. last year.

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Steaz displays packaging makeover

The Healthy Beverage Company, the manufacturer of Steaz iced tea brand, has redesigned the packaging of its Steaz Sparkling Green Tea line. The goal of the new look, created by Wallace Church branding firm, was to create a design that expressed the very essence of the brand: vitality, energy and passion. The central element of the new design is a lotus flower constructed of repeating tea leaves, an icon that radiates energy and vitality while embodying the brand's holistic sensibility. Adding to the impact of the brand on shelf is the color of each label, which mirrors the color of the teas themselves.

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Lipton refreshes tea bag range design

Lipton is redesigning its pyramid tea bag range to give it a more premium and upscale feel on the US market. Moxie TM, an international brand design and development firm, has created new visuals with vibrant colors, real photography, and flavor imagery to help fulfill the tea’s promise of indulgence, excitement and affordability. Lipton is thereby trying to position its products in the gourmet category tea and capitalize on the growing awareness about the health benefits of tea drinking. According to a market research firm, US tea sales will double from $7.4 billion in 2007 to $15 billion by 2012.

... read more about Lipton refreshes tea bag range design
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Hydro One introduces green tea line

Hydro One Beverages, manufacturer of premium functional drinks, has unveiled an new category of green tea beverages. Hydro One TRUE Green Teas will be available in three flavors: Naturally Sweetened Green Tea, Sugar Free Green Tea and Sugar Free Organic Green Tea. The products are scientifically formulated with natural plant sterols, scientifically proven to help lower your cholesterol. Hence, the beverage line has achieved the Heart Choice Certification. The products will be available online and in The Fresh Market and other gourmet health stores across the US.

... read more about Hydro One introduces green tea line
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Cooper Tea in retail tea fountain deal

Cooper Tea has struck a deal with 7-Eleven stores to offer its organic iced tea on beverage fountain machines in many retail points across the US. The organic iced tea was developed by international tea master Barry W. Cooper and the Cooper Tea Co. The tea concentrate, with no artificial colors or added flavors, has received USDA organic certification earlier this year. It will be available on the Big Gulp fountain machine in nearly 70% of 7-Eleven stores that have previously carried its conventional variety.

... read more about Cooper Tea in retail tea fountain deal
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Coke banks on tea to enhance Sprite brand in China

The Coca Cola Company, the world's leading beverage manufacturer, has introduced a tea-flavored version of its Sprite brand to try to tap into the huge Chinese soft drinks market. The drink, called Spritea, contains a carbonated blend of local green tea flavors. The product has undergone a massive consumer testing to define the right amount of sweetness and percentage of bubbles. Ready-to-drink tea consumption in China has increased over 30 percent annually in recent years, with tea and sparkling beverages representing over 20 percent of the entire Chinese beverage sector.

... read more about Coke banks on tea to enhance Sprite brand in China
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Inko's introduces range for NYC public schools

Inko's, a beverage company focused on ready-to-drink white teas, has launched two new flavors aimed at New York City's Public High School vending machines. Inko’s Blueberry and Inko’s Strawberry White Teas meet the requirements of NYC's Wellness policy, which mandates to improve the quality and nutritional value of foods and beverages that are available to children. Drinks available in schools must not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, and contain a maximum of 25 calories per 8oz. (25ml) serving. For the launch, totally new graphic art, including a new logo, was created to appeal to a younger audience.

... read more about Inko's introduces range for NYC public schools
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Tazo introduces zero calorie RTD teas

Tazo Tea, owned by Starbucks, is expanding its bottled tea line with a new range of naturally sweetened zero calorie teas. The Zero Calorie Naturally Sweetened iced teas come in three varieties: Zen (lemongrass and spearmint), Passion (hibiscus flowers and exotic fruits) and Refresh (peppermint and spearmint). They are sweetened using stevia leaves, whose extracts have up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar. The range will be available in Whole Foods and other natural food markets in the US beginning in April 2010.

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Sweet Leaf Tea introduces three new flavors

Sweet Leaf Tea, a manufacturer of organic iced teas from Austin, TX, is launching three new extensions of its ready-to-drink line. Lemon Iced Tea is a mix of black tea and lemons, Citrus Green Tea offers a mix of green tea and citrus flavors of orange, lemon, and lime, whereas Diet Citrus Green contains the same ingredients with less calories. The three new flavors are available in 16oz. (500ml) cans or glass bottles, 20oz. (600ml) plastic bottles or 64oz. (2l) multi-serve plastic containers.

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Two tea drinks scoop 'Best of 2009' awards

Steaz and Guayaki products were singled out at this year's BevNet 'Best of 2009' awards. Steaz Zero Calorie Sparkling Green Tea won in the 'Best New Organic Beverage' and 'Best New Carbonated Beverage' categories, whereas Guayaki Lemon Elation claimed the 'Best New Tea' and 'Best Packaging Design' awards. Coconut water was declared product of the year for the strongest track record in terms of evolving into a new category.

... read more about Two tea drinks scoop 'Best of 2009' awards
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Sweet Leaf Tea brews up a line of cans

Sweet Leaf Tea, maker of natural and organic beverages, is launching a new line of 16oz. (0.5l) aluminum cans to complement its bottled range. The new ready-to-drink offerings include four classic Sweet Leaf Tea flavors and two new flavors - Lemon Iced Tea and Citrus Green Tea. All six varieties are USDA Certified Organic and the two newest flavors are scheduled to launch in January 2010. The cans have a suggested retail price of $1.29, or 99 cents on promotion.

... read more about Sweet Leaf Tea brews up a line of cans
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Yorkshire Tea introduces seasonal tea range

Yorkshire Tea brand, part of British-based Taylors of Harrogate coffee and tea manufacturer, is launching a new range of seasonal tea varieties. The range is meant to underscore the brand's specialist tea knowledge and cater to customers' demand for seasonal produce. Yorkshire Gold Season’s Pick line includes Assam Gold, Rwanda Gold and Kenya Gold, with each tea available for select four month seasonal periods. Retail price is £2.99 for a box of 80 tea bags.

... read more about Yorkshire Tea introduces seasonal tea range
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Whittard withdraws products with traces of nuts

Whittard of Chelsea was forced to withdraw some of its products recently due to their macadamia and almond nut content, which was not specified on the label. UK's major tea manufacturer had to pull Rooibos Cream Caramel Flavored Tea, Sticky Toffee Pudding Tea and Spiced Chai Green Tea products off the shelves to prevent complaints from people allergic or intolerant to nuts. The company is in touch with relevant allergy support organizations, which will inform their members of the withdrawal.

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Red Mango launches first probiotic iced tea

Red Mango, a manufacturer of frozen yogurt, will be the first retailer to sell made-to-order iced teas fortified with probiotics. The new beverage line contains a patented strain of probiotic shown to help support the immune system and regulate the digestive system. Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms that aim to improve intestinal microbial balance. The range contains three flavors: lemonade green tea, vanilla black tea and wildberry hibiscus tea, all sweetened with natural cane sugar.

... read more about Red Mango launches first probiotic iced tea
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Arizona introduces energy-boosting tea shots

Arizona beverages has just launched a line of compact beverages comprising of two energy shots and one relaxation shot. Scientifically formulated Fast Shots are based on green tea and mixed with ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and taurine in order to give a jitter-free boost of energy or to help relax. The products contain no chemical preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors and come in 2 oz. (60 ml) PET bottles.

... read more about Arizona introduces energy-boosting tea shots
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Arizona partners with Nestlé for tea-infused water

Arizona Beverages has teamed up with Nestlé Waters North America Inc. to create a line of tea-infused waters. Arizona Tea Waters is an organic low-calorie, tea-infused beverage line made using spring water, green tea, sugar cane and fruit extracts. The drinks will start off using Nestlé's Poland Spring water and will later be made from company's other regional water sources. The 20-ounce (600ml) amber PET plastic bottles with an oxygen barrier retail for $1.49.

... read more about Arizona partners with Nestlé for tea-infused water
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Peet's Coffee & Tea launches RTD line

Peet's Coffee & Tea introduced a new line of ready-to-drink iced teas made from whole tea leaves. The new range includes five lightly sweetened beverages with natural flavors such as peach, mint or honey, and an unflavored version. The teas are initially available at 25 Peet's retail outlets in California, as well as select gourmet food stores in the region. According to the company, cold tea is the primary way in which people consume tea in the U.S. and the bottled tea market has grown steadily at about 15 percent in recent years.

... read more about Peet's Coffee & Tea launches RTD line
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Arizona and Bigelow partner for RTD line

Arizona Beverages and Bigelow Tea have formed a partnership to introduce a new line of organic ready-to-drink iced teas. The new line of 20 oz. (600ml) green tea beverages will benefit from Bigelow's expertise in the specialty tea sector, whereas Arizona will supply its know-how in packaging and distribution. The range includes the following flavors: Acai White Cranberry, Original Green, Lemon Ginger and Mango Lychee.

... read more about Arizona and Bigelow partner for RTD line
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Energy drinks tap into benefits of L-theanine

In an attempt to create the next generation of energy drinks, companies are increasingly looking into an amino acid found in tea, called L-theanine, to enhance concentration and focus. Preliminary studies suggest the substance might calm the brain to increase concentration and mental stamina, instead of a quick energy boost currently provided by caffeine and taurine. L-theanine is readily absorbed in large quantities, crosses the blood-brain barrier and gets into the brain fast. Products such as SoBe lifewater, Vitamin Water, ViB and new Gatorade drink Tiger, all contain L-theanine.

... read more about Energy drinks tap into benefits of L-theanine
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Lipton's Rainforest certified teas hit the US

Lipton is beginning to sell Rainforest Alliance-certified tea in the US this month. The Anglo-Dutch food giant, which launched the sustainable teas two years ago in Europe, expects all of its teas to sport the sustainable logo by 2015. Rainforest Alliance certifies farms that meet specific criteria for worker welfare, farm management and environmental protection. Unilever accounts for approximately 12% of the world's tea.

... read more about Lipton's Rainforest certified teas hit the US
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Three new organic iced teas from Arizona

Arizona Beverages has recently introduced three new varieties of organically-produced iced teas. Green Tea, Yumberry Green Tea and Pomegranate Green tea varieties use organic sweeteners such as honey and cane juice, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The new products will be available in the northeast US this spring and countrywide shortly thereafter. The suggested retail is $1.79 per 20oz. / 600ml bottle.

... read more about Three new organic iced teas from Arizona
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Teas Etc wins Best New Product award

The new line of Tea Etc's loose leaf teas has won the 2009 "Best New Product" award, the World Tea Expo has announced. Get Real Get Loose tea range was singled out as creative and eco-friendly. The packaging is made of pre and post consumer recycled steel, water based inks, environmentally friendly adhesives and recycled paper. Compostable brew filters are included on the outside of each package, offering a novel way to brew loose tea. The range features twelve types of organic and conventional varieties.

... read more about Teas Etc wins Best New Product award
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Inko expands RTD range with eleventh flavor

Inko has debuted its eleventh low-calorie, low-caffeine ready-to-drink white tea beverage. Inko’s Lemon White Tea has 56 calories and only 5.8 milligrams of caffeine per bottle, which makes it one of the lowest calorie-sweetened teas on the North American market. Medical studies suggest that white tea, at the center of Inko's brand, may prevent certain forms of cancer, hence the company's continued support for definitive cancer research in that area.

... read more about Inko expands RTD range with eleventh flavor
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Snapple CEO announces brand revamp

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. chief executive officer Larry Young has revealed that Snapple tea brand is currently getting a makeover. Products will be sweetened with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, with bottle and label designs evolving as well. Young believes that the timing is right to invest in a makeover now, in order to take full advantage of the economic upswing later on. Speaking about the state of the beverage industry and the broader US economy, Young expects for things to pick up in the second half of 2009, with "a new start" occurring in 2010.

... read more about Snapple CEO announces brand revamp
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Ito En expands lineup with naturally sweet teas

Ito En, the world’s largest manufacturer of green tea products and beverages, added a line of Naturally Sweet iced teas to its Tea's Tea range at Expo West 2009 in Anaheim, California. The new beverages are targeted at consumers looking to switch from sweetened to unsweetened tea. They contain only 8 grams of natural cane sugar and 40 calories per serving, and come in Blueberry Green, Citrus Black and Mango Oolong flavors. The range retails for $1.99 per unit and is available at grocery and specialty food stores nationwide.

... read more about Ito En expands lineup with naturally sweet teas
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Enviga to drop weight-loss claims

An agreement has been reached by the Coca-Cola Co. and joint-venture partner Nestle to settle a dispute with 27 states over claims that Enviga green tea burns calories, resulting in weight loss. The companies will pay $650,000 for the settlement and have agreed to re-label Enviga to add disclosures and disclaim weight-loss benefits. Any marketing of Enviga or a similar beverage that uses the terms "the calorie burner," "negative calories" or "drink negative" must clearly disclose that the product doesn't lead to weight loss without diet and exercise. Coca-Cola introduced Enviga in the U.S. in November 2006.

... read more about Enviga to drop weight-loss claims
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Revolution Tea in premium iced tea push

Revolution Tea is introducing a new line of premium iced teas aimed at restaurant businesses in the US. The teas will be packed in unique one-gallon (3.8 l) containers that enable shelf-stable liquids to be dispensed safely over extended time without refrigeration, and will be available in five flavors, including Classic Iced and Golden Peach. The products will be distributed nationally by Revolution Tea and through the company’s distribution agreement with Kraft Foodservice North America.

... read more about Revolution Tea in premium iced tea push
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Sustainable wrapping for Twinings Everyday range

Twinings is opting for a sustainable and compostable packaging film for its Everyday tea range in the UK. The material, called NatureFlex, is a cellulose-based film, made from renewable wood pulp and metallised in-house. The company behind it, Innovia Films, claims the biodegradable film breaks down in a home compost bin within a matter of weeks because of its low metal content. According to the manufacturer, the packaging also offers high gloss and transparency, resistance to grease and oil, as well as good barrier to gases and aromas.

... read more about Sustainable wrapping for Twinings Everyday range
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Frito-Lay turns to tea-flavored snacks in Japan

Frito-Lay Japan is turning towards tea and coffee for a more exciting alternative to the conventional snacking concept. The Caramel Macchiatto and Green Tea Latte flavor corn chips, recently introduced in Japan, are made of puffed corn and contain real coffee, chocolate, tea and milk. The chips, dubbed caffeine snacks, pack 150 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Previously the Japanese arm of the company has introduced unusual snack flavors such as Strawberry Cheetos and Honey-Butter Doritos.

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Steaz iced teas pick up BevNet award

Steaz Organic Iced Teaz picked up top honors in BevNet's Best of 2008 Best Tea category. Facing a large field of contestants, from Arizona to ZT Tea, the product line was singled out as high-quality, organic and Fair Trade certified canned tea, with a balanced amount of sweetness and rich fruit flavors. As a symbol of company's commitment to fair trade practices, the front of each can features photographs of fair trade farmers from Sri Lanka, China and Africa where Steaz sources its tea. Steaz also tied for first place in Best Organic Beverage rankings.

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Numi launches Pu Erh line

The latest addition to Numi Tea's range of organic teas comes in the form of Pu Erh, a tea with a unique fermentation and ripening process from the Yunnan region in China. Promising health benefits and an age-long tradition that characterize Pu Erh tea, mixed with Numi's innovative spirit, have inspired four flavors: Emperor's, Chocolate, Magnolia and Mint. A box containing 16 tea bags retails for $9.99.

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Pu Erh price bubble bursts in China

Similarly to stock markets worldwide, the Chinese speculative bubble on the price of Pu Erh tea, driven in large part by China's new rich for whom it has been a status symbol of sorts, has recently crashed. The fermented variety from the country's southwestern Yunnan province has reportedly dropped by up to 85% since peaking in May last year, due to overproduction and a diminished appetite for exotic assets. A 100g brick of 60-year-old Pu Erh sold for 300,000 yuan ($39,400) last February.

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Red Tea expands Nestea's range of RTDs

Nestea recently added a Red Tea Pomegranate Passion Fruit flavored drink to its ready-to-drink iced tea range in the US. The beverage is derived from the South African Rooibos, or red bush, plant and is mixed with the sweet taste of Pomegranate and Passion Fruit juice. It boasts no artificial colors and all-natural fruit flavors. The new drink, licensed by The Coca-Cola Company, will be available nationwide in 20oz (600 ml) and 16.9oz (500 ml) PET bottles from February 2009.

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Honest Tea launches new flavor Ade

Honest Tea introduced the latest addition to its line of Honest Ade drinks, the Superfruit Punch, at the National Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailer's annual showcase in Chicago. Superfruit Punch contains two antioxidant-rich berries - Yummberries and Goji Berries - which have proven popular amongst health-conscious consumers in the New York area, where the product was on trial since August. Superfruit Punch is available in a 16.9 fl. oz. (500 ml), fully-recyclable PET 1 bottle with a suggested retail price of $1.59 and is expected to roll out in other markets in the coming months.

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Unilever recalls contaminated milk tea powder

The Anglo-Dutch food giant Unilever is recalling several milk tea powder products in Hong Kong after tests found them contaminated with melamine. In a public statement, the firm said the recalled products were made using locally-manufactured milk powder with traces of melamine, a chemical used for making plastics and fertilizer. This comes just a week after the company had to proceed to similar actions in Taiwan. Powdered formulas with melamine, ingredient used to boost products' protein levels, were blamed for killing four babies and sickening more than 50,000 others in China.

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Pepsi and Unilever welcome Tazo

Starbucks has signed a licensing agreement with PepsiCo and Unilever to manufacture, market and distribute Tazo ready-to-drink beverages across the US and Canada. The brand, acquired in 1999 and served in Starbucks and Seattle's Best Coffee outlets, will join the Pepsi/Lipton Tea Partnership, strengthening its RTD tea portfolio regionally significantly.

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