LULIN IS PROUD TO BE AN ESTA PIONEER

Find out all about the European Speciality Tea Association, and what we do.  See below or visit ESTA's website.

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RAISING THE STANDARDS OF TEA.

The European Speciality Tea Association is an inclusive organisation whose mission is to create and inspire excellence in the speciality tea community through innovation, research, education and communication

Connect with peers in the tea industry

Learn about best innovation practices

Share experience and gain insights

OUR DEFINITION OF SPECIALITY TEA

Aspiring to attain excellence in all aspects of tea processing and brewing from the bush to the cup

European Speciality Tea Association (ESTA) values the science and art of tea making at every level. We value the skill, dedication and care which has been applied to create delicate and unique hand-crafted teas which can be categorized as speciality tea.

We support the speciality tea industry in all aspects of tea production from bush to cup and recognise the farmers who are aspiring to attain excellence.

We also value the following factors which we believe help contribute to being able to distinguish speciality teas from commodity teas. These can include but are not limited to:

The known supplier, the known farm, the known location, the known production dates, the known processing method.

Speciality tea can also be defined by the quality of the five criteria below:

1.     The dry leaf 

2.     The aroma of the dry leaf

3.     The colour and clarity of the liquor

4.     The flavour and mouthfeel of the liquor

5.     The appearance and aroma of the wet leaf

At ESTA we also support the use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly packaging because this is an integral part of the tea industry’s future.

We believe that the consumer needs to be inspired from the moment they enjoy the aroma, liquor and taste of the tea and can celebrate in the plant’s personality, the origin of the tea, the care that has been taken in the processing and brewing of it; this being a speciality moment.

European Speciality Tea Association joins in growing an inspirational community, supporting the movement which promotes speciality tea and improving the quality of tea consumed. Speciality tea exists through the dedication of people at all levels of the tea value chain. We respect and support the person plucking the leaves, the person producing the tea to the consumer brewing the tea. Each person who touches the tea until it is finally sipped can affect the final cup and our aim is to support this and share knowledge that will improve the tea industry.

European Specialty Tea Association strives to value, support and promote the people who have this dedication and who are involved and passionate in providing perfection in every cup.

We value all of the above when considering what is speciality tea and we welcome like-minded people and or affiliates to join us in our quest for tea excellence at every level.

In summary ESTA supports and promotes speciality tea (Camellia sinensis), the community and the movement. We also support the botanical sector as an inclusive part of our organisation due to its extensive synergy within the tea industry and with tea lovers and professionals.

We are a dynamic organisation, we are aspirational for speciality tea, and we aim to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of all sectors of the tea industry. 

Join Us!

With memberships ranging from Enthusiast to Tea Producer, there is a level to suit everyone.

Membership starts at just £50 per year, and includes a FREE Tea 101 course!

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ESTA membership categories and benefits.

Enthusiast Membership

£50.00

Membership benefits:

  • Membership pack 

  • Certificate of membership

  • Regular newsletter

  • Free access to publications

  • Free access to Tea 101

  • Discount on education, products and services

  • Volunteer at events

Join

Tea Barista Membership

£60.00

Membership benefits:

  • Membership pack 

  • Certificate of membership

  • Regular newsletter

  • Free access to publications

  • Free access to Tea 101

  • Discount on education, products and services

  • Volunteer at events

  • Access to webinars

  • Voting rights

  • Use of European Speciality Tea Association Logo

  • Discounted Entry to events

  • Access to membership directory

  • Mentorship

  • Join our committee

  • Free entry to competitions 

  • Tea Barista pin badge

  • Discounted Tea Barista apron

 Join

Professional Membership

£150.00

Membership benefits:

  • Membership pack 

  • Certificate of membership

  • Regular newsletter

  • Free access to publications

  • Free access to Tea 101

  • Discount on education, products and services

  • Volunteer at events

  • Access to webinars

  • Voting rights

  • Use of European Speciality Tea Association Logo

  • Discounted Entry to events

  • Access to membership directory

  • Mentorship

  • Join our committee

Business Membership

From £250.00

Membership benefits:

  • Membership pack 

  • Certificate of membership

  • Regular newsletter

  • Free access to publications

  • Free access to Tea 101

  • Discount on education, products and services

  • Volunteer at events

  • Access to webinars

  • Voting rights

  • Use of European Speciality Tea Association Logo

  • Discounted Entry to events

  • Access to membership directory

  • Job board / Recruitment /Internship

  • Join our Committee

  • Sponsorship opportunities

  • Nowfoods access and discounts to facilities & testing