Leafies entries now open with new categories and inclusions
Image: The Leafies
The Leafies International Tea Awards have announced that entries to this year’s competition are now open to tea farmers, gardens, tea makers, suppliers and retailers worldwide. Several exciting adjustments have been made to the award categories this year, including a new category for Herbal Infusions.
The herbal category has been created after many requests to celebrate the finest ingredients for tisanes and is open to both primary producers and retailers. Entrants can now submit herbal blends or single-ingredient infusions that do not contain Camellia sinensis. This change is inspired by the increasing number of tea producers who are diversifying with botanicals to complement their teas.
A New Regions/Producers Category will also spotlight innovative and pioneering tea producers who have been operating less than five years or are situated in regions with no history of tea production. Jennifer Wood, director of the UK Tea Academy and The Leafies awards said, “The Leafies are growing every year with new categories, additional high profile judges and more attention on the winning teas. We welcome entries from large and small retailers, and from young or established gardens to showcase their finest teas and join in the celebration of the best”.
Four new judges are joining The Leafies panel of tea experts and educators this year, including award-winning journalist and author Alice Lascelles, drinks columnist for the Financial Times.
The Leafies continue to offer unparalleled exposure, opportunities, and recognition for tea makers. A selection of previous winners are now available at Fortnum & Mason’s Rare Tea Counter as part of the ongoing partnership between the UK Tea Academy and the luxury retailer.
Retailers are encouraged to enter as winning retail teas can display The Leafies mark on their packaging and website to help differentiate their product. In addition, all teas will receive the judges’ average scores across multiple criteria from dry leaf to aftertaste.
Entries for The Leafies International Tea Awards 2024 are now open until mid September. For more information on how to enter, visit theleafies.co.uk.
