We act on behalf of our members, including Producing Countries, Growers, Importers, Packers, Allied Trade, Retailers THAC Tea Sommelier® Professionals, Tea Specialists and Foodservice Tea Specialists to promote tea and herbals.

Our Mission is to be the absolute voice of the tea and herbal industry responsible for government relations, advocacy and providing PR & communication to consumers & industry.

Our Vision is to be the leading authority and industry voice on all things tea and herbals in Canada.

OUR STORY

1954

Establishment of the Tea Council of Canada

Founded in the same year as the Coffee & Tea Association of Canada, the Tea Council of Canada was established under their umbrella. A number of tea packers – Mother Parker’s, Lipton, Salada, G.E. Barbours, a group of brokers, and the producing countries of India and Sri Lanka combined their efforts in the marketing and promotion of tea through the Council.

1971

Addition of More Key Members

While the Tea Council and manufacturers reach out to consumers with compelling campaigns, Kenya and Tetley add their support and become members.

1990s

Promotion of Tea and Health

With a new emphasis of healthy lifestyles, the Tea Council release public relations campaigns showcasing the many healthy benefits of drinking tea.

1991

Tea Association of Canada Is Founded

The umbrella organization of the Coffee & Tea Association of Canada was disbanded and the separate Tea Association of Canada was founded. While the Tea Council of Canada was responsible for tea promotion activities, the Tea Association of Canada was responsible for the advocacy and government relations side of the tea industry.

2003

Merger of Tea Association of Canada

The Tea Council of Canada and Tea Association of Canada merge to herald a new era for tea; new markets, products, health-conscious consumers, specialty teas, and an expansion into foodservice.

2008

Green Tea Health Claim

Because of the work of the Tea Association of Canada, CFIA grants the only health function claim to a food item, to green tea.

2009

First Tea Sommeliers Graduate

The success of the first-ever TAC Tea Sommelier® program is proven with the first graduates of the program.

2016

The Tea and Herbal Association of Canada is Formed

The Tea Association of Canada takes herbals under its mandate and forms the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada.

WHAT WE DO

Government Relations:

Ensure industry stability by positively influencing the Federal legislative agenda to support the Canadian tea industry’s growth.

Communication

Deliver the “Tea is a Healthy Beverage Choice” message to consumers and promote the benefits of drinking tea.

Membership Services:

Serve as the number one source of information and research about tea and offering a recognised certified Tea Sommelier program.

Networking:

Bringing together all levels of the tea industry’s supply chain to provide networking opportunities through annual conferences, government liaison and events.

WHO WE ARE