Sustainability & What We Care About

We believe the era of mass production and fast food has diminished the tea drinking experience and not benefited the land or the local communities. This has led us to deal directly with farmers wherever possible, and to actively support organic practices and small-scale production. We are in constant dialogue with our partners, maintaining high levels of quality and transparency, ensuring sustainable methods of tea cultivation and processing, and encouraging the preservation of artisanal tea making techniques. All our teas are GM-free and independently tested for pesticides in leading European laboratories, and you’ll never find artificial flavourings, preservatives or colourings in them.

We make a point of knowing and respecting the growers, tea makers and traders who work with us. In China, they call these relationships ‘tea friends’. It’s a title we take very seriously, and most of our friendships are decades old. They are always based on trust, fairness and a mutual appreciation for tea. As well as this, we personally create every new blend, and we personally taste every new harvest (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!). We do this so that we can really tell the story behind each tea and so that each cup delivers an authentic and memorable experience.

The Organic Food Federation certifies all of our organic teas and helps us contribute towards the growth of the organic movement. We are also members of the Rainforest Alliance, an international non-profit organization working to create a better future for people and nature.

The UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA) is an independent, non-profit making body dedicated to providing support and information to the tea industry, as well as ensuring that all members are fully committed to sourcing product from ethically sound producers and suppliers. Finally, Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. The idea that quality food and drink takes time and care, both in the growing and appreciation is a the heart of what we do. Read more about ‘Slow Tea’ with Dragonfly.