'It's a privilege to step into this role': Lisburn's award-winning Suki tea maker named interim European president
Suki Tea co-founder will serve as interim president of the European Speciality Tea Association
Lisburn-based specialist tea maker Oscar Woolley has been chosen to lead the industry across Europe on an interim basis.
Oscar, joint owner of Suki Tea with business partner Annie Irwin, has been named interim president of the European Speciality Tea Association (ESTA).
An established member of the ESTA board, Oscar, a recognised trend-setter in gourmet and speciality teas, will stand in for current president Bernadine Tay, who is taking a sabbatical.
Oscar was selected by the ESTA board for the important role within the European industry.
“With 22 years of experience in the tea making and six years serving on the ESTA board, Oscar brings a wealth of knowledge, industry relationships and a genuine passion for speciality tea,” the organisation said.
“During his interim presidency, Oscar will help strengthen ESTA's connections across the industry, champion tea education and awareness, and encourage more people to discover and engage with the speciality tea community,” ESTA added.
Oscar said: “Tea has always been about connection for me. Even after 22 years in the industry, I'm still learning from the incredible people within this community.
“It's a privilege to step into this role and help build on the work ESTA has already achieved, raise awareness of what we represent, and inspire more people to get involved.”
Founded in 2005 by Oscar and Annie, Suki Tea Makers ethically sources tea from plantations in India and Kenya for a range of products, including loose-leaf varieties which have won international acclaim and a host of UK Great Taste Awards.
The small company, which now operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Lisburn, exports to key markets across Europe and Africa.
Suki began trading from a small stall at St George's Market in Belfast before expanding to premises elsewhere in the city and eventually moving to Lisburn.
The company has also invested heavily in recycling initiatives, including removing plastic from all its packaging.
ESTA seeks to promote speciality teas throughout Europe. It was established to ensure tea can compete with the coffee revolution and organises a range of promotional and educational activities on behalf of the industry.
The association connects tea growers, producers and educators, while working to raise awareness and support the development of the speciality tea sector.