10:00 am - Why Hasn’t Tea Had Its Specialty Boom Like Coffee and Craft Beer?
10:00 - 10:45 am, Pratik Rijal
Why Hasn’t Tea Had Its Specialty Boom Like Coffee and Craft Beer? Where is the tea industry headed?
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, yet it hasn’t seen the same specialty movement as coffee and craft beer. We will explore and uncover why—diving into history, culture, market dynamics, and consumer behavior. From the rise of third-wave coffee and microbreweries to the challenges of tea’s production and storytelling, the class unpacks why tea remains a niche rather than a mainstream movement. It also highlights emerging trends like matcha, chai, and wellness blends, offering insight into where the industry is headed.
Presenter Bio
Pratic Rijal, Co-Founder of Nepal Tea Collective
Pratik is a third-generation Nepali tea producer and the co-founder of Nepal Tea Collective. Drawing on generations of traditions and knowledge, he embodies the legacy of Nepal’s rich tea heritage. Apart from his expertise in Nepali teas, he deals with numbers and manages tricky logistics for the company. He leads the wholesale and fulfillment team at Nepal Tea Collective.