Tettiera: Transforming Every Teacup into a Delightful Experience
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October 27, 2024Born nearly a decade ago, the Tettiera brand needs no introduction as the local tea-focused experts in the industry. Its name alone brings images of warm teacups and decadent scents.
For Joanna Micallef Farrugia and Diana Mifsud, founders of the company, tea is the only magic they believe in.
The scarce selection of quality tea within the local market prompted the partners to create their own brand. “Although the industry was saturated with different coffee blends, tea selection told another story.” Joanna recalls their first local artisan fair, when shoppers thought they were selling potpourri. “Until that point, little was known about these real tea leaves and their benefits and the difference to tea dust.”
Today several restaurants and concept cafés have raised the bar for tea lovers. “It was great to develop the tea ritual process, for every client who wanted to excel in their own brand’s experience.” Produced locally, the company offers whole leaf loose teas, and hand-packed tea sacks in natural wood pulp paper drawstring bags that preserve both quality and flavour. Unlike mass produced tea dust packed in bleached bags, the brand is one that embodies genuineness and care for the craft of tea.
Tettiera also brings together an element of tradition and luxury. Diana explains how the partners constantly develop luxury packaging concepts to enhance the tea ritual and the sensory feelings the brand offers. “Our packaging is eco-friendly, made from sustainable and recyclable materials–yet elegant and classy”.
Their brand identity depicts a soothing palette of soft colours that is reminiscent of old Maltese traditions - a trademark kettle that symbolises genuine artisanal produce that’s paved its way into concept cafés, boutique hotels and MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
Diana Mifsud (L) and Joanna Micallef Farrugia (R) enjoying Afternoon Tea at Corinthia Palace
Over the years, the company’s portfolio has expanded into more than 90 high-quality single estate teas, herbal infusions, spices, fruit and botanicals, sourced from the root of origin, from the Eastern Mediterranean, Malta, Egypt, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Morocco, France, Iran, China, Japan and more. “Ingredients are all connected to a particular geographical region for quality and taste based on the history, terroir and the knowledge of each plantation. We follow nature, history, plantation rituals and experience to source our ingredients from our trading partners, including Malta”.
Essentially, the brand filled a gap, whereby tea lovers are spoilt for choice. “Interest between tea and coffee has levelled out. These days, once you’ve sampled good quality tea, it’s hard to go back and in certain concept establishments, customers expect to find quality tea.”
Joanna goes on to say that within the horeca sector, the bestsellers remain the signature English Breakfast Tea, Morning Tune, Earl Grey Radiance, Lemongrass & Ginger, Trankwilla, Serenata, Berry Compote and Jasmine Silver Needle. The partners are also tea blenders who develop custom blends for horeca Clients. “Customization is key to build brand stories through tea” says Joanna.
And yet, the Tettiera brand is more than just tea production. Their sensory menu, allows customers to feel different tea leaves and take in their scent, whilst a detailed description helps with dessert pairing. “It’s quite spectacular to watch tea leaves brewing and to take in the aroma when the teapot is opened. By focusing on the beauty of tea rituals our clients fall in love with its benefits.” says Diana.
The company provides on-board tea training programmes where clients and staff are trained on the industry and also the importance of correct tea brewing. Their next event in 2025, Tea & Botanicals for Baristas and Mixologists, will see Tettiera partnering with Molecular Fusion, thus inspiring the local talent about the wonderful world of tea, mocktails and cocktails, created through their range of products.
Essentially, the brand filled a gap, whereby tea lovers are spoilt for choice. “Interest between tea and coffee has levelled out. These days, once you’ve sampled good quality tea, it’s hard to go back and in certain concept establishments, customers expect to find quality tea.”
Joanna goes on to say that within the horeca sector, the bestsellers remain the signature English Breakfast Tea, Morning Tune, Earl Grey Radiance, Lemongrass & Ginger, Trankwilla, Serenata, Berry Compote and Jasmine Silver Needle. The partners are also tea blenders who develop custom blends for horeca Clients. “Customization is key to build brand stories through tea” says Joanna.
And yet, the Tettiera brand is more than just tea production. Their sensory menu, allows customers to feel different tea leaves and take in their scent, whilst a detailed description helps with dessert pairing. “It’s quite spectacular to watch tea leaves brewing and to take in the aroma when the teapot is opened. By focusing on the beauty of tea rituals our clients fall in love with its benefits.” says Diana.
The company provides on-board tea training programmes where clients and staff are trained on the industry and also the importance of correct tea brewing. Their next event in 2025, Tea & Botanicals for Baristas and Mixologists, will see Tettiera partnering with Molecular Fusion, thus inspiring the local talent about the wonderful world of tea, mocktails and cocktails, created through their range of products.
At the heart of Tettiera’s success lies a passion for customised service. Hotels are offered loose-leaf teas for breakfast and also a small collection of hand-packed tea sacks which are placed in the rooms. “Each boutique hotel chooses a curated collection that suits the overall experience of reprieve and relaxation” Likewise within spas, tea is served to promote wellbeing and relaxation.
Their collection of curated products, luxury gourmet gifting can be viewed within their store in Naxxar inside Grey & Adler or through their website, where a burst of delightful flavours awaits to delight your senses. For horeca solutions, a catalogue can be requested and discussed over a cup of tea. “My approach is firstly to understand the client’s concept and brand promise - then we develop a tea menu to complement and enhance the establishment’s desired customer experience.” concluded Joanna.
Through passion and dedication Tettiera continues to carve its name within the industry, as a brand that exudes warmth, comfort and class.
Their collection of curated products, luxury gourmet gifting can be viewed within their store in Naxxar inside Grey & Adler or through their website, where a burst of delightful flavours awaits to delight your senses. For horeca solutions, a catalogue can be requested and discussed over a cup of tea. “My approach is firstly to understand the client’s concept and brand promise - then we develop a tea menu to complement and enhance the establishment’s desired customer experience.” concluded Joanna.
Through passion and dedication Tettiera continues to carve its name within the industry, as a brand that exudes warmth, comfort and class.
Tettiera® is a Maltese artisan brand offering a wide variety of premium loose leaf teas & delicacies. We strive to bring to you the charming world of tea and all it’s wellbeing benefits. We invite you to rediscover the tea ritual as it should be. Discover our rich collection of premium artisan single origin teas, tea blends, tisanes, herbs, spices, botanicals and pralines.
W: https://tettiera.com/ | E: orders@tettiera.com | Tel: +356 99929376
Click here to see Horeca Issue 17 online
