Case Studies

 

KTea Taking loose leaf Fairtrade tea seriously

Katie Hammond’s love of loose leaf tea began while she was at university and has blossomed to a successful business. “Once you start drinking good tea you really can't go back to the tea bag stuff” says Katie, “I fell in love!”

Katie Hammond’s love of loose leaf tea began while she was at university. “Once you start drinking good tea you really can't go back to the tea bag stuff” says Katie, “I fell in love!” Like increasing numbers of consumers, it was important to Katie that she was drinking all natural and Fairtrade certified, but many loose leaf teas later, she hadn’t found any that met her criteria. Katie realised she needed to make it herself. 

After vigorously searching, Katie finally found a quality Fairtrade supplier in Sri Lanka, and so, ‘KTea’ was born. “It's been a big learning curve for me to get everything ready for market but we’re there now and starting to get KTea out there, which is really exciting” says Katie.
 
At just 25 years old Katie is passionate about her brand being Fairtrade and all natural “It’s integral to me and to my business. I wanted to create a product that was good for the consumer - you and me - but also good for those who produce it. Being Fairtrade certified is a great way to ensure that this happens” says Katie.
 
The Fairtrade mark represents making the choice to give a fair-go to farmers, workers and their communities in some of the world's poorest countries. Fairtrade helps provide fairer prices, better terms of trade and additional funds for business and community development. It’s easy to understand why being Fairtrade is so important to the KTea brand “when you choose KTea you know that every cup of tea you enjoy is enabling farmers and workers to improve their lives” says Katie.
 
KTea is now on the menu in numerous cafes around the Wellington and Manawatu regions, as well as all four Commonsense Organics stores, Moore Wilson's Fresh and online at Urban Harvest. “At the moment I am working with Synthesis Marketing on some new amazing products and additional features to existing products which is really exciting” says Katie.

“Grow Wellington has been really great to work with. In fact, they connected me with Synthesis Marketing which has been a great step forward for my business. I would definitely recommend Grow Wellington to other business owners and people thinking of going into business” says Katie.  “Starting a business can be a daunting process but their support has made those crucial early days a lot easier”.
 
KTea’s listed on The Wellington Food & Beverage Database with other impressive regional suppliers. This has been proving beneficial to KTea; “a number of suppliers have approached me about their services and I have also had a number of leads as a result of the database” says Katie. 
 
This is just the start for the young tea aficionado. Plans to grow the brand and its availability in the market are underway along with adding e-commerce to the website to drive online sales – Katie’s proving that with determination and a good idea you can build a successful business; “you need to do the groundwork - all that planning at the beginning really is crucial to success”.