Our First Time at World Tea Expo – A Heartfelt Recap
Stepping into the World Tea Expo for the first time as a small, women-owned brand was both humbling and exhilarating. We entered with curiosity and a deep passion to introduce our flower tea ritual—and left with connections, inspiration, and overwhelming encouragement from attendees.
It was more than a trade show—it was a space of celebration, learning, and global tea exchange. We were proud to share our mission: to become a wellness destination through the flower tea ritual, rooted in sustainability and Thai heritage.
What We Observed: Global Tea Trends
As first-time exhibitors, we gained unique insights into the tea landscape:
✨ 90% of teas at the expo were Japanese: from ceremonial matcha to modern sencha blends.
☕ 10% were Chinese teas: primarily oolong, pu-erh, and green teas.
🌿 Herbal tea brands were rare—we were one of the very few focused solely on botanicals.
This made Mala Tara stand out, especially to buyers, wellness professionals, and fellow tea entrepreneurs seeking something refreshingly different.
Why We Stood Out: Thai Roots & Herbal Ritual
We were one of only three Thai-rooted brands present at the expo. Unlike many traditional tea companies, our offerings are based on whole flowers sourced sustainably from small organic farms in Thailand. Our tea doesn’t steep—it blooms.
In a landscape dominated by leaf-based teas, Mala Tara stands apart by focusing purely on whole, blooming botanicals—especially flowers. All our teas are organically grown, naturally caffeine-free, and sourced to promote fair trade and sustainable farming in Thailand. Our blends offer not only wellness benefits, but a truly mindful sensory ritual.
This uniqueness drew attention:
✨ Visitors were intrigued by our blooming teas and the visual and sensory ritual they offer.
💕 Attendees resonated with our story: women-owned, AAPI-rooted, sustainable.
🚀 We had meaningful conversations with cafes, boutique retailers, wellness spas, and other tea lovers excited to explore something new.
We went in hoping to introduce Mala Tara to a few kindred spirits. We left with more interest than we imagined.
What’s Brewing Next: Partnerships & Possibilities
The warm reception at the expo has inspired us to dream even bigger. We’re now in conversations with potential partners who share our passion for wellness, sustainability, and culturally rooted tea experiences.
Whether you’re a retailer, spa, cafe, or wellness brand, we’d love to continue the conversation. Let’s bring flower tea rituals to more communities around the world.