Task:

To identify a reliable green tea manufacturer in China capable of producing 20 tons of green CTC tea monthly using the client’s technology. The manufacturer should own tea plantations or have direct contracts with farmers, ensure quality control throughout all production stages, possess experience in international exports, and hold all necessary certifications (organic certification, SGS, and conformity certificates for the UAE market).

Solution:

Our team shortlisted five potential green tea producers from Zhejiang, Anhui, and Fujian provinces. Over ten days, we conducted preliminary market analysis, requested product samples, and reviewed certification documentation. We personally visited the production facilities and plantations of the three most promising factories to verify actual conditions against stated standards. Additionally, a detailed cost analysis was performed, considering current raw material and packaging prices.

Stages of Green Tea Production and Supply:

• Selection of suitable tea plantations;
• Inspection of growing and tea leaf harvesting conditions;
• Selection of premium green tea varieties;
• Harvesting and initial processing of tea leaves;
• Traditional Chinese fermentation and drying technology;
• Quality control and tea tasting;
• Obtaining organic and international certifications;
• Optimal packaging selection and branding;
• Preparation of export documentation;
• Logistics organization and shipment monitoring.

Below are the production stages we encountered:

Step 1 – Selection of tea plantations and manufacturers

Step 2 – Verification of manual tea leaf harvesting technology

Step 3 – Monitoring of primary leaf processing (drying, roasting)

Step 4 – Application of traditional Chinese fermentation techniques

Step 5 – Selection of packaging to maintain freshness and aroma

Step 6 – Tasting and selection of the final product

Step 7 – Packaging production and branding

Step 8 – Preparation of export documentation

Step 9 – Organization of international shipment

Interesting Facts about Green Tea Production in China:

• Genuine Chinese green tea is exclusively hand-picked, usually early in the morning before sunrise when the leaves are most aromatic.
• Some elite green tea varieties are hand-roasted in special hot pans to maximize their aroma and flavor.
• Green tea grown on mountain plantations at altitudes over 800 meters is considered of the highest quality and health benefits.

Differences between CTC and Whole-Leaf Tea:

CTC tea (Crush, Tear, Curl) involves mechanical processing, crushing, and twisting tea leaves using specialized machinery. This tea type has a more intense flavor and brews quickly but lacks the rich aroma and depth of flavor found in whole-leaf tea. Whole-leaf tea undergoes minimal processing, preserving leaf integrity and resulting in a more robust aroma and subtle flavor upon brewing.