Rare Tea Company

Overview

Rare Tea Company is a direct trade tea sourcing, distribution, and online retail company based in London, specializing in loose leaf teas imported from farmers in countries including China, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and the UK.¹³⁴ It supplies teas to high-end chefs and restaurants such as Noma, Momofuku, and Claridge's, and retails globally via e-commerce and in the UK through Waitrose.³⁴ The company also offers teaware and bespoke blends.³

History

Rare Tea Company was founded in 2004 by Henrietta Lovell, known as the Tea Lady, to source loose leaf tea directly from farmers and gardens.¹³⁴ It began in London with a small customer base and expanded to collaborate with leading global chefs, restaurants, bars, and hotels.³⁴ The company remains independent and continues direct trade operations.¹⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Teas are sourced through direct trade from farmers in China, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and the UK, with no manufacturing indicated; products are imported as loose leaf and herbs.³ Teaware involves collaborations with British ceramicists.³ Operations are based in London without specified in-house production.¹⁷

Notable Products

• Royal Ascot Blend - Bespoke blend created for the Royal Ascot event.
• Fergus Henderson Blend - Custom blend for chef Fergus Henderson.
• Noma Teas - Teas developed in collaboration with Noma restaurant.
• Single Origin Chinese Teas - Loose leaf teas sourced directly from Chinese farms.

Reputation

Rare Tea Company is recognized by tea enthusiasts and professionals for its direct trade model and relationships with top chefs and restaurants like Noma and Claridge's.³⁴ It is noted for ethical sourcing and sustainability focus.⁶ Employee count and revenue estimates vary slightly across sources, but its independence and founder-led approach are consistently highlighted.¹