The UK Tea Academy in partnership with Fortnum & Mason has publicised the first-ever launch of the International Tea Academy Awards: The Leafies, to honour the world’s finest loose-leaf teas in 2022.
Open for farmers, producers, suppliers and retailers.
The Leafies are the first dedicated tea awards in the UK, that highlight carefully crafted teas worldwide.
The program will bring together high-profile tea specialists to assess and award high-grade crafter teas in more than 30 categories.
Judging criteria will consider; the farming and processing of the teas, the stories and the people behind the gardens.
There are two categories;
Highly Commended; awarded at the judges’ discretion and a Prestigious Gold award.
Amazingly, there are few Japanese winners listed.
Selection of winning teas will be sold at Fortnum & Mason’s London store at the Rare Tea Counter.
London Award Ceremony, a Livestream recording in Fortnum & Mason will be available soon!
The winners of the Japanese companies awarded in 2022
◇ These are specially picked by the winner from Japanese tea farms.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Matsushita Tea Garden – Organic Nukumori Sencha
Furukawa Seicha Inc. – Asahi & Ujihikari
Sakuranoen – Sizensaibai Akane Benifuki
Iwanaga Tea Garden – Iwanaga Ichigo 2022 – Domestic Variety
Kagoshima Horiguchi Seicha / Wakohen – KAKUHORI (Benifuuki Black Tea)
Kaneroku Matsumoto En – Kaneroku Sakura smoked tea
Wanokatea – Heroine
GOLD
Kai Seichaen – Yabukita 2022
Marukyu Koyamaen Co., Ltd. – Kiwami Choan
Ocha-no-Kajihara – Benifuki 2022 2nd Flush
Gokase Midori Seicha – Hassaku-no-Hana Koucha Hanaemi
SPECIAL AWARDS
◇ Special awards are given , to those effecting positive change for the environment, the industry and their community.
Maverick award – Iwanaga Seicha, Iwanaga Tea Garden
Best In Show – Ocha-no-Kajihara, Benifuki 2022 2nd Flush
To see all the winners go to The UK Tea Academy(UKTA)
Source: The UK Tea Academy(UKTA)
Fortnum & Mason, London location
