The Lawn tea company in China enjoying export success | This is ...

HER brew has gone global after Chinese investors travelled 6,000 miles to taste it for themselves.

But when Mel Capper started up her tea company in Cheltenham only two years ago, she didn't expect so much success.

1. TOP BREW: Mel Capper, from the company The Lawn

Her company, The Lawn, sells fives blends of tea and was spotted by a Chinese distributor at a food show in London.

It was so popular, they ended up placing a huge order - enough to make more than 200,000 cups of tea. China is known for exporting its own home-grown herbal teas across the world.

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But, after being persuaded by the classic English branding, the popularity of Mel's five blends helped convince Chinese buyers.

"It's a very niche market," the 35-year-old said.

Blends

"The UK normally imports teas from places like China, Sri Lanka and India, but they are becoming more interested in the classic English blends and it is really growing in popularity.

"In China, they will serve a pot of Jasmine tea which doesn't have much in it.

"But what I have found is they are changing their habits, but I am not sure what has prompted it."

Now, Mel is hoping to strike more deals with businesses in China.

The Lawn, launched in 2011, is a contemporary bespoke tea company with a unique range of tea-based products. Its menu includes teas such Earl Grey with rose petals and a caffeine-free Rooibos blend.

Its mobile tea shop also provides English-style catering for private events such as weddings and outdoor occasions. And Mel will soon launch her blends in tea bags.

"It's very exciting," she continued. "These international businesses clearly have the people on the lookout for English products. If they are sending out buyers, there must be a market for it.

"I think our secret is that we give people what they want. A lot of companies may only offer a tea that a certain type of person likes but our idea is to provide a selection of teas that people want. In a way, we're sending tea back to China."

The Lawn will be at the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival from June 14-16.

To find out more, visit www.thelawncollection.com or pop into the Winchcombe Antiques Centre and try a cup using The Lawn's new tea bags.

OPINION, P8

Source: http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Cheltenham-entrepreneur-sells-200-000-cups-tea/story-18694750-detail/story.html

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