Commercializing and Marketing New RTD Tea Beverages
CHALLENGE:
Genuine Tea Co. blends, packages, distributes and sells premium, ethically sourced and harvested loose leaf teas to offices, stores, and foodservice establishments. Owners, Dave and Sarah O-Connor, noticed the market was lacking a high-quality tea-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage that had no sugar added. Seeking to fill this gap in the market, they wanted to extend their high-quality tea product line, and offer consumers a ready-to-drink experience like none other. The goal was to take their top-selling herbal teas and turn them into canned, carbonated iced tea beverages that contain under 10g sugar, featuring a specific price point and shelf stability at ambient temperatures. Challenges facing this project included formulation development, pasteurization and scale-up while maintaining product flavour and integrity.
SOLUTION:
This project resulted in the commercialization of three hand-crafted sparkling iced teas: Organic Elderberry Hibiscus; Organic Lemon Ginger Sencha; and Organic Peach Turmeric Ceylon, all of which are made from ethically sourced whole leaf tea and real fruit juice. Products can be purchased online and at select stores across Ontario.
Funding: Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) through the College Voucher for Technology Adoption (CVTA) program.
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