Upton Tea Imports is pleased to announce that we are now offering Fair Trade Certified™ teas, in limited packaging options. You may purchase any of our Fair Trade Certified™ teas in sample sizes, single packets and H-bags (generally 15g, 125g & 500g, respectively).
WHAT IS FAIR TRADE? Fair Trade Certification (FTC) allows consumers to purchase teas (and other products) produced in conditions that are guaranteed to be safe, environmentally sustainable, and labor-friendly.
FAIR TRADE CRITERIA • Fair Price: Farmers' groups are guaranteed a stable price for their products. Farmers can then invest this Fair Trade premium in education, health-care and business-building.
• Fair and Safe Working Conditions: Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Protective clothing and safe equipment are provided for workers. Fair Trade workers and farmers must join associations that are transparently-operated and democratically-controlled by their members.
• Environmental Protection: The Fair Trade criteria prohibit genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and a long list of dangerous pesticides that are 'acceptable' under EPA standards. Farmers must create and implement integrated crop management and environmental conservation plans. Also, the Fair Trade price structure provides strong financial incentive and the necessary resources for organic conversion. This is why so many FTC products are also certified organic.
HOW FAIR TRADE WORKS The best tea gardens and cooperatives understand that specialty teas depend on the people and the environment that produce them. Fair Trade certification verifies and acknowledges the commitment of these producers to meeting internationally recognized Fair Trade standards. For tea, these standards include:
• Wages that meet or exceed legally established minimums.
• The absence of forced child labor.
• Freedom of association and organization.
• Safe working conditions, including protection from exposure to harmful agrochemicals.
• Adherence to national and international labor protections, including those established by the International Labor Organization of the UN and, in India, by the Plantation Labor Act.
Our first Fair Trade Certified™ offerings are from the Makaibari Estate, in Darjeeling:
TD41: Makaibari Estate FTGFOP1S First Flush (DJ-6). A top selection from this renowned estate. The nose has complex fruity/floral notes, with nuances of peach and orchid. The cup is full and smooth, with a clean, lingering pungency.
TD45: Makaibari Estate Silver Tips (DJ-16) The bold, attractive leaves of this unique tea are medium- to light-green in color. The cup has a light, golden-amber hue, with an inviting character. The aroma is heady, with gentle muscatel notes and hints of sweetness.
We plan to expand our selection of Fair Trade Certified™ teas in the future, so keep an eye on our website.
8/24/07 Update We have expanded our Fair Trade Certified™ line to include:
ZH52: Ancient Pu-Erh Mini Tou Cha This organic Pu-Erh tea is made from select leaves, which are fully fermented and carefully compressed into cakes weighing approximately 4½ grams. The infusion has a full mouth feel, rich cup and sweet flavor notes.
ZH55: Organic Ancient Pu-Erh Maiden Made with select leaves from over 1,000 year old tea trees, this grade is rarely offered in the U.S. market. Notable for its full body, rich earthy flavor and silky sweet finish. The long, wiry leaves have a rich, deep brown color. The complex aroma is an experience for connoisseurs and novices alike.
ZH80: Ancient Organic Green Pu-Erh Tuo Cha This sun-dried, compressed green tea is made from the fine buds of Yunnan's heirloom tea trees. The flavor is vegetal, with notes of wild honey and dried fruit. The sweet and complex after-taste lingers on the palate. Appropriate for multiple infusions. Each tuo cha weights approx. 7-8 grams.
BH81: Heirloom Tea Flowers An unusual tisane made solely from organic Camellia sinensis flowers, which are carefully plucked from heirloom tea bushes in full bloom, and then sun-dried. Tests show the flowers to contain similar amounts of catechins and polyphenols as regular leaf tea, but with a significantly lower caffeine content. The flavor is surprisingly full, with notes of honey, caramel and citrus. A very unique offering.
For more information on Fair Trade, please visit http://www.transfairusa.org.
To browse our current Fair Trade Certified™ selections, click here.
"Upton Tea Imports was founded in 1989 with the objective of providing the North American tea drinker with
the finest teas available. We purchase teas from reputable brokers and estates worldwide, dealing only with
sources who are capable of providing top quality teas. We sell directly to the consumer, thus ensuring the
freshest product and fairest pricing."
Holliston, Massachusetts
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