Waikato-based company Zealong is celebrating its recent triumph at the 2017 Global Tea Championship Fall, held in Colorado in the US.
The Estate’s Black and Oolong tea bags received “gold” first-place honours in their respective categories and the Green tea bags achieved top honours by coming second in its category.
The three striking glass trophies, each individually inscribed with the Estate’s name and the award category, arrived by special delivery from the United States.
“We are indeed proud that all three of Zealong’s teas were placed highest in their categories in a global competition which saw 245 entries from 16 different countries. This is a noteworthy triumph for the Waikato District community and for wider New Zealand,” said Mayor Allan Sanson of the Waikato District Council.
“Zealong are commendable ambassadors of our District and we wish them everything of the very best when they showcase their winning teas at the World Tea Expo’s ‘Winners’ Tasting Circle’ in Las Vegas later this year.”
William Durning, CEO of the Waikato Chamber of Commerce noted, “The international success of Zealong against strong competition is further endorsement that great New Zealand companies creating value and opportunity for all are right here in the Waikato – New Zealand’s best business address.”
“This is a significant award for Zealong as it once again proves that New Zealand tea can hold its own amid fierce competition and on any global platform,” said Zealong General Manager Gigi Crawford.
Zealong’s winning teas are entitled to proudly display the Global Tea Championship seal and they will be showcased in the October 2017 issue of the Global Tea Buyers’ Guide, a digital publication distributed to the international tea community and vertical markets.
The competition was organised by Penton’s World Tea Media and blind judged by professional tea tasters who determined the finest quality and best-tasting teas commercially available Worldwide.
Zealong’s honours at the Global Tea Championship are the very latest in a string of global accolades, including a Great Taste Award in the UK and organic beverage awards in Hong Kong and London.
