Papua New Guinea Landslide

There was a major landslide in Papua New Guinea during April which wiped out the road from the agricultural highlands to the main port. We have 3 containers stuck on the wrong side, which were already running late due to production issues. The road could take up to 2 months to replace, and I am expecting delays of at least 6-8 weeks in future shipments. However we are working hard on finding replacements for these teas.

Food Show in Christchurch

I’ve just returned from a very successful Food Show in Christchurch. I always love the opportunity to talk to consumers, take them through a tasting, and hear their feedback about the humble cup of tea. I am always so delighted to know that after the show, more people are aware of the golden “Great Tea Takes Three” rule so that people out there are having the best tea experience possible!

Being there, making thousands of cups of tea, is such valuable experience for me as a tea blender, and the feedback I get at these sorts of events is what helps me when I design new blends of tea. We got some great comments about our new green tea, Bell Zesty Green. I really felt like people understood what we are trying to do with this drink, with the natural, fresh and mellow flavours. Last year when we were there, we introduced people to Bell Kenya Bold, and it was extremely rewarding to see many of these people again, telling me that Kenya Bold is now their favourite tea blend!

Also I love going to the South Island, everyone is always so welcoming. And its nice to have a few days out of the office!

I’m looking forward to doing it all over again at the Wellington Food Show in May. But for now it’s back to the daily grind – actually for me it’s back to the daily blend!

Tea World

Although Kenya is still a long way from resolution, it is good to see the political trouble has settled down a little bit. We are delighted that all our tea estates are able to produce again, and the product is no longer stuck in Kenya, unable to be exported. I was also relieved to know that my friends and colleagues over there are safe.

It is another example of how political forces can have a massive influence on the tea industry, all over the world.