The 2006 World Tea Expo is being spotlighted in consumer and trade publications worldwide as the specialty tea industry event draws closer. Besides being the only US-based tea-only trade show, the World Tea Expo is catching media attention for creating and hosting the first US-based tea auction, which will feature world-class teas from Nilgiri (India).

The Highland Tea Company, an importer and manufacturer of specialty tea from Kenya, is rolling out a new line of flavored teas including Sunshine Spice, Golden Ginger, Earl Grey and Jasmine Ginger. The new teas will be part of Fair Trade programs the company is creating to support social programs democratically selected by small-scale farmers.

Industry veterans Upton Tea Imports are profiled in an article covering their diverse company services and history. With over 400 teas for sale and years of experience, the company is applauded as a favorite of connoisseurs.

Historic Philadelphia is now home to a diverse group of tea related businesses including houses, shops, cafes and bars. From Victorian classic tea service in fine hotels to trendy tea bars and bubble tea shops, the Philly region is bubbling with plenty of tea retail and food service activity.

Noted as the world’s beverage of choice, tea is praised in an article noting health benefits appear to be driving consumers to try tea. Tips for brewing and savoring tea are put forth along with editorial that suggests there is a new generation of American tea lovers’ embracing the leaf.

Ready-to-drink tea beverage pioneer Snapple is rolling out a line of tea bags with fruity flavors and wild names. The new teas are infused with real juice and include tea and caffeine free herbal teas also containing fruit.

A unique program designed to encourage organic tea farming within India is being funded by a consortium of governmental and trade groups. The program will be conducted in Darjeeling, Assam and South India and include research geared towards technology standards, production systems and export strategy.

Specialty tea brand TEAOLOGY marketed by California-based Innovative Beverage Concepts, Inc. announces its products are now available in Food Emporium stores in the New York metro area. TEAOLOGY tea line includes ultra-hip hot, iced, organic, and various flavored items and is distributed via Haddon House, one of the nation’s leading distributors to the gourmet retailer industry.

Research conducted using mice suggests green tea extract and exercise may be an effective weight management practice. Conclusions by Japanese scientists involved in the study suggest the combination of tea extract and exercise delivered the best results for their test subjects vs. simply exercise or tea extract alone.

China’s somewhat mysterious pu-er tea has become something of a cult beverage in parts of the world with rising prices and a loyal following. While the exotic ‘aged’ tea is treasured by some connoisseurs as a first rate cup, the packaging, grading and marketing of the revered product lags according to some analysts.

Coffee-drenched Seattle, Washington, is showing increasing levels of tea related business, including what is described as the cities ‘first authentic Chinese teahouse’ – Floating Leaves. Proprietors Rob Bageant and Shiuwen Tai sell and serve Chinese teas within their classically adorned Asian style tea house in Seattle’s Ballard district. The proprietors were recently interviewed on National Public Radio in a segment on the burgeoning American tea scene.

On the eve of the Global Dubai Tea Forum, a Middle- Eastern online marketplace – Tejari – is announcing its partnership with the Dubai Tea Trading Center to support e-commerce tea trading platforms. Delegates to the upcoming Tea Forum (Feb. 27-28, 2006) will see a preview of the Tejair-based tea trading online forum. The partners of this innovative new technology group seek to assert Dubai’s growing status as a major hub of international trade for global commodities, including tea.

The popularity of tea in the United Kingdom is garnering new market share according to new research. With approximately one third of Brits enjoying tea regularly, the new research suggests consumer awareness of tea-health connections including antioxidants and hydrating benefits are helping drive sales. The popularity of tea in the UK has been intensely challenged in recent years by other drinks including alcohol, coffee and especially soft drinks. Of particular interest to tea producers is a rise in the number of consumers in their 20’s and early 30’s now seeking out a cuppa.