Crop to Cup Manufacturing - Metropolitan Tea
Posted by Donna Reimchen on
As a leader and innovator in the world of luxury tea, Metropolitan Tea offers a food-safe crop to cup experience for our clients and customers. Through decades in the tea business, we’ve developed strong ties with growers and their families all over the world. This allows us to buy teas during peak seasonal crop times, on tea estates known for quality, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
As a manufacturer, after we buy materials, we do significant additional raw material refining to ensure that our quality is always in the top 5% of global luxury standards. All products are held in vacuum to provide consistent peak flavor profiles and ensure freshness.
Unlike other tea companies that function as a middle-man style partner, we blend and pack our own loose tea and pyramid teabags. Watch our videos to see how our tea products are produced in our FDA-registered facility in Toronto, Canada.
Gerry Vandergrift – Tea Master Level 5
Gerry got his start in tea by answering a job ad that read, “Do you have an MBA and a thirst for adventure?” After striking out on his own, this thirst has grown Metropolitan into one of the world’s premier wholesalers of luxury teas and accessories.
Gerry recommends: Irish Breakfast — Black Tea
John Hales – Tea Master Level 5
John started in tea at age 19 in London, England. He worked at one of the UK’s most respected trading houses, broadened his experience in Germany, and served as CEO of a blending company in Kenya. John has been with Metro since 2005.
John recommends: Earl Grey — Flavoured Black
John Chaffey – Tea Master Level 4
Sales Manager and Tea Master, John began his tea career in 1985, joining Metropolitan in 1992. Empathetic to the needs of our many customers, he frequently travels the world to develop and expand the market for luxury grade teas.
Canadace Santangelo – Tea Master Level 3
Metropolitan Tea’s first official employee, Candace has been with our company since 1991. Her travels to visit with suppliers, and countless trade shows to meet with customers, give her a unique perspective on all facets of the business of tea.
Sarita Bhinda – Tea Master Level 2
Coming to Metropolitan Tea by way of Mauritius, Sarita joined the company in 2007. With a wealth of experience in commodities training, she brings a high level of knowledge and patience to the Metro sales floor. Sarita est aussi bilingue.
Sarita recommends: Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose — Flavoured Green
Andrea Lozada – Tea Master Level 1
With a background in quality control and tea, Andrea understands the value of food safety and quality assurance in the luxury tea market. An expert in helping clients achieve goals, Andrea is a valuable member of the Metropolitan team.
Andrea recommends: Turmeric Ginger Peach — Functional Tea