I don’t understand your question, sorry.

Thanks, I was wondering too. I’ll link to this on twitter too once the Vegas Expo is over. Would be interesting to know. Nice you’re going to the WTE in Philly! Have you been before?

There were quite a few business there that really stood out! One thing I found surprising was the number of businesses selling pu’erh tea. There were at least 7 or 8 booths that boasted quite a selection of pu’erh cakes. Much more than last year anyways!
Also, the selection of RTD beverages and companies involved in that industry is on the rise. I saw quite a variety of them, and was able to taste quite a few!
It is definitely a place where you want to spend more than just one day. I did not have that luxury, but I would suggest it! The connections made there are valuable!
Also, be sure to check out the Tea Farmers Alliance! That will grow rapidly I believe!

@sirwilliamoftheleaf  Can’t say I’m overly excited about the rising number of RTD teas. Partly because I don’t really like cold or iced tea much, and partly because I think it’s “pop” culture tea. A Jersey Shore version of my favorite brew. However, maybe it’s better than drinking cola, though even that depends.

Like you I’m surprised about the increase in pu-er tea vendors. Only because I thought it was the “novel” thing to do a couple of years back – however I hope it’s a sign for continuing interest in “serious” tea drinking.

Interesting what you said about making “valuable tea connections.” We weren’t there but part of me felt it must be tempting to take @chanteas stance on it all, they said:
“The World Tea Expo is a place where connections are made. Deals happen on the expo floor, but for the most part there is too much noise and commotion to connect with tea lovers.”
I’m sure the best way to finish up an evening on the floor is getting together like they did.
J.

World tea expo, connecting people, one cup at a time.

And for pu-er, it might also be that companies think there is a growing market there and want to be there first.

Thanks for the nod @Jackie, we really enjoyed connecting with fellow tea lovers away from all the commotion of the expo floor and plan on doing it again next year where all are welcome.

I’d love to hear what you would LIKE to see/hear/learn at the Expo that might be missing?  I’ve been a speaker and on the Education Committee and Advisory Board for the World Tea Expo for the past four years and would love to hear your feedback.

As an aside, RTDs are no longer a US phenomenon… there were over 1,000 RTD lines launched INTERNATIONALLY in the past 24 months.

I have to agree with Jackie, I’ve been largely disappointed with RTDs. Of course, that comes as part of the the whole Amercian Flavor Experience, which often translates to add more sugar, Bob. I have marginally enjoyed RTDs from Honest Tea (which uses less sugar/sweetener than typical RTD beverages) and ITO’s offering from Japan. The latter ones area available without any sweetener at all, which I think is wonderful. When it says green tea on the bottle, that is what you are getting, just green tea. Of course, a $4+ a bottle ITO’s American offerings are prohibitively expensive for tea.

RTD?
It doesn’t sound really good.