Exploring an Organic Tea Estate in Bangladesh

A buying team led by Founder and President Greg Ubert recently visited Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate Ltd. in Bangladesh to explore a sustainable new source of teas. Teas and herbs grown on the plantation hold Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and USDA Organic certifications.

“This lush organic estate grows teas and herbs of incredible quality,” Greg siad. “We were impressed by their commitment to sustainable operations – protecting the environment and caring for workers and their families.”

Greg and 7 Steps Trainer Steve Bayless were accompanied on the trip by Senior Director Zia Ahmed and Assistant Director of the Ohio State University, Office of Student Life, University Dining Services. Crimson Cup teas and coffee are served on the university’s campus.

“Since we view Zia and Rahul as partners, we wanted to invite their input before introducing new sources into our supply chain,” Greg said. “Transparent, mutually beneficial relationships are the hallmark of the Crimson Cup mission.”

The visitors were impressed by the quality and productivity of the estate, which was created on barren, previously uncultivated land in 2000. The natural, organic farming methods it uses include Neem based bio-pesticide and cow dung based fertilizers.

“We are in the process of evaluating samples for our team to use in developing new regular and herbal teas,” Greg said. “Our goal is to begin introducing new tea innovations later this year.”