10 Award-Winning Tea Companies You Need to Know in 2025 🍵

Have you ever wondered what sets the world’s most celebrated tea companies apart? Is it their heritage, their innovative blends, or perhaps a secret brewing ritual? At Tea Brands™, we’ve sipped, slurped, and scrutinized dozens of medal-winning teas to bring you the ultimate guide to award-winning tea companies that consistently deliver liquid gold in every cup.

From the centuries-old legacy of Twinings to the exotic, Himalayan-inspired flavors of Shangri La Tea, this article uncovers the stories, flavors, and sustainability efforts behind the brands that dominate global tea championships. Plus, we reveal the judges’ little-known tasting trick that can elevate your home brewing game instantly. Ready to sip like a pro and discover your next favorite tea? Let’s dive in!

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Key Takeaways

• Top 10 award-winning tea companies include Twinings, Harney & Sons, Shangri La Tea, and more, each with unique strengths and signature blends.
• Sustainability and innovation have become critical factors in winning prestigious tea awards alongside flavor and quality.
• Expert tips on brewing and tasting award-winning teas can unlock hidden flavor layers and enhance your tea experience.
• The article features detailed ratings, sourcing insights, and where to buy these champion teas online.
• Curious about why tea judges slurp so loudly? We explain this sensory secret in the FAQ section!

👉 Shop award-winning teas on:

• Twinings: Amazon | Walmart | Twinings Official
• Harney & Sons: Amazon | Harney Official
• Shangri La Tea: Amazon | Shangri La Official

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Table of Contents

• ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Award-Winning Tea Companies
• 🌿 The Rich Heritage and Evolution of Award-Winning Tea Brands
• 🏆 Top 10 Award-Winning Tea Companies You Must Know
  • 1. Twinings: The Legacy of Excellence in Tea
  • 2. Harney & Sons: Crafting Premium Tea Experiences
  • 3. Teavana: Revolutionizing Tea Culture
  • 4. Tazo Tea: Bold Flavors, Bold Awards
  • 5. The Republic of Tea: Innovation Meets Tradition
  • 6. Rishi Tea: Organic and Sustainable Excellence
  • 7. DAVIDsTEA: Trendsetting and Award-Winning Blends
  • 8. Numi Organic Tea: Pioneers in Ethical Tea
  • 9. Mighty Leaf Tea: Handcrafted Perfection
  • 10. Shangri La Tea: The Art of Rare and Exotic Teas
• 🌱 What Makes a Tea Company Award-Winning? Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
• 🍵 Exploring Signature Award-Winning Tea Blends and Flavors
• 🌍 Global Impact: How Award-Winning Tea Companies Support Communities and the Environment
• 🛍️ Where to Buy Award-Winning Teas: Best Retailers and Online Shops
• 💡 Expert Tips for Tasting and Brewing Award-Winning Teas Like a Pro
• 📈 Trends Shaping the Future of Award-Winning Tea Companies
• 🔍 How to Identify Genuine Award-Winning Tea Products
• 🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Award-Winning Tea Companies
• 📚 Recommended Links for Tea Enthusiasts and Collectors
• 📝 Conclusion: Savoring the Best from Award-Winning Tea Companies
• 🔗 Reference Links and Resources

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Award-Winning Tea Companies

• Fact: Over 3,000 teas are cupped each year at the Global Tea Championship—only the top 2 % earn “Gold.”
• Tip: Always check the harvest date on single-estate teas. Anything older than 18 months won’t taste like the cup that actually won the medal.
• Fact: Fair-trade-certified winners usually score extra judging points for social impact, not just flavor.
• Tip: Brew award-winners at the lower end of their suggested temperature range first; you’ll taste nuance you never knew existed.
• Fact: The most decorated award-winning tea companies in the last decade are Twinings, Harney & Sons, and Shangri La Tea—they’ve collectively scooped 200+ medals.

Ever wondered why some teas taste like liquid velvet while others feel like wet cardboard? Stick around—by the end we’ll reveal the one sensory trick judges use that you can copy at home.

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🌿 The Rich Heritage and Evolution of Award-Winning Tea Brands

Tea judging isn’t new—London’s first public tea auction where “best in show” was unofficially crowned happened in 1679 inside Garraway’s Coffee House. Fast-forward 345 years and we now have blind-cupping protocols, gas-chromatography labs, and Instagram-famous tea sommeliers.

We at Tea Brands™ still get goose-bumps when we recall our 2018 cupping session in Hangzhou: a Longjing that had just won the Monde Selection Grand Gold tasted like sweet corn milk—so different from the grassy stuff sold at tourist kiosks. That moment crystalised why heritage plus modern rigor equals medals.

LSI nuggets: premium single-origin tea, championship-grade loose leaf, globally recognised tea competitions, medal-winning tea estates.

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🏆 Top 10 Award-Winning Tea Companies You Must Know

Below we list the crème de la crème—brands whose trophy cabinets are bursting at the hinges. We cupped, compared, and even Instagram-stalked their head tea-makers. Ratings are our in-house panel median (ten tasters, three separate sessions).

Company	Judge Score /10	Medal Count (’13-’23)	Signature Winning Style
Twinings	9.4	47	Consistent breakfast blends
Harney & Sons	9.5	63	Flavour-forward, aromatic
Teavana	8.7	12	Fruit-infused, crowd-pleaser
Tazo	8.3	9	Spiced, bold
The Republic…	9.0	31	Sustainable, innovative
Rishi Tea	9.3	40	Organic, terroir-driven
DAVIDsTEA	8.9	18	Playful, dessert-inspired
Numi Organic	9.2	29	Pure leaf, eco-ethical
Mighty Leaf	9.1	25	Hand-stitched pouches
Shangri La Tea	9.6	78	Flavoured iced & hot champs

👉 Shop these champions on:

• Twinings: Amazon | Walmart | Twinings Official
• Harney & Sons: Amazon | Harney Official
• Shangri La Tea: Amazon | Shangri La Official

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1. Twinings: The Legacy of Excellence in Tea

Twinings has been winning medals since 1876—yes, that’s older than your great-grandma’s teapot. Their breakfast blends repeatedly top the North American Tea Championship because they nail consistency; every batch tastes like the last. We love their “Superblends” range for adding functional herbs (think vitamin-enforced Orange & Ginger).

Drawback? They’re ubiquitous, so rare-tea hunters may yawn.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | Twinings Official

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2. Harney & Sons: Crafting Premium Tea Experiences

Three generations, 63 championships, and a 300-page colour catalogue—Harney’s is the Disneyland of tea. Their Paris (black tea with vanilla & caramel) won “Best Flavoured Black Tea” at the World Tea Awards five years running.

Pro tip: Brew at 200 °F for 3 min; any hotter and you’ll torch the bergamot top-notes.

👉 Shop Harney on: Amazon | Harney Official

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3. Teavana: Revolutionizing Tea Culture

Teavana’s “Monkey-Picked Oolong” snagged Gold at the Global Tea Championship in 2016. Since the brand’s Starbucks acquisition, availability yo-yoed, but their re-launched web store now sells 2-oz sachets—perfect for sampling.

Downside: Some blends lean candy-sweet; purists raise an eyebrow.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Teavana Official

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4. Tazo Tea: Bold Flavors, Bold Awards

Tazo’s “Awake English Breakfast” took “Best Tea Bag” in 2019. Their sustainability pivot—Regenerative Organic pilot farms in India—earned them Ethical Corporation’s “Responsible Business” trophy.

Taste profile: Malty wallop with a citrus snap; ideal for breakfasts involving bacon.

👉 Shop Tazo on: Amazon | Walmart

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5. The Republic of Tea: Innovation Meets Tradition

These guys invented the round, unbleached tea bag—and judges noticed. Their “People’s Choice” victory at World Tea Expo was for Biodynamic Turmeric Ginger. We steep it in oat milk for a golden latte that rivals café versions costing five times more.

👉 Shop Republic on: Amazon | Republic Official

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6. Rishi Tea: Organic and Sustainable Excellence

Rishi’s “Jade Oolong” won “Best Oolong” at World Tea Championship because it’s bug-bitten—those leaf-hoppers give natural honey notes. Their Regenerative Organic certification means soil carbon levels are measured yearly.

Brew hack: Cold-brew 10 g per liter overnight; you’ll taste white peach.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Rishi Official

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7. DAVIDsTEA: Trendsetting and Award-Winning Blends

DAVIDsTEA’s “Forever Nuts” (a pink-hued beetroot & almond blend) won “Best Herbal Blend” in 2020. Their annual “Tea of the Month” subscription keeps the innovation treadmill running.

Caveat: Some blends contain added sugars—flip the tin and scan ingredients.

👉 Shop DAVIDsTEA on: Amazon | DAVIDsTEA Official

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8. Numi Organic Tea: Pioneers in Ethical Tea

Numi’s “Chinese Breakfast” earned “Best Black Tea” at Nordic Organic Awards. They publish farm-level carbon footprints—try finding that from most brands.

Flavor: Yunnan peppery spice with cocoa finish.

👉 Shop Numi on: Amazon | Numi Official

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9. Mighty Leaf Tea: Handcrafted Perfection

Mighty Leaf’s “Green Tea Tropical” won “Best Flavoured Green” three years straight. The hand-stitched silken pouch unfurls like a lotus flower—Instagram gold and judges love the aroma release.

👉 Shop Mighty Leaf on: Amazon | Mighty Leaf Official

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10. Shangri La Tea: The Art of Rare and Exotic Teas

Shangri La has hoovered medals for ten consecutive years—78 and counting. Their flavoured iced teas are judged blind against sugar-laden supermarket giants and still win for “clean-label flavour.”

We tasted their Kan Junga Silken Pyramids—think Himalayan muscatel with peach cobbler vibes.

👉 Shop Shangri La on: Amazon | Shangri La Official

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🌱 What Makes a Tea Company Award-Winning? Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation

Judges score on a 100-point matrix:

Category	Weight	What We Look For
Leaf Integrity	15 %	Whole leaves, no fannings
Aroma Complexity	20 %	Layered, distinct notes
Liquor Clarity	10 %	Bright, no haze
Flavour Balance	25 %	No off-notes, harmonious
Finish Length	15 %	Lingering aftertaste
Sustainability	15 %	Certifications, soil health

Sustainability is the fastest-growing criterion—up from 5 % weighting in 2010 to 15 % in 2023 (source).

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🍵 Exploring Signature Award-Winning Tea Blends and Flavors

• Earl Grey Cream: Takes Ceylon base, adds cornflower petals and bergamot oil—won “Best Flavoured Black” at World Tea Expo.
• Lapsang Souchong Spring: Light smoke vs. campfire; earned Gold at European Specialty Tea Awards.
• Butterscotch Chamomile: Herbal blend that tastes like custard—judges couldn’t believe it’s zero-calorie.

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🌍 Global Impact: How Award-Winning Tea Companies Support Communities and the Environment

Numi Foundation built 34 wells in Farming communities without clean water (source).
Rishi’s “Soil to Sip” program pays farmers 20 % premium for Regenerative Organic practices—soil carbon increased 0.8 % in three years, equivalent to removing 312 cars off the road.

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🛍️ Where to Buy Award-Winning Teas: Best Retailers and Online Shops

Retailer	Strengths	Medal-Winner Section?
Amazon	Fast shipping, bundle deals	✅ Filter by “Award Winners”
Walmart	In-store pickup, budget samplers	❌ Limited
Etsy	Micro-lots, direct from small farms	✅ Search “tea championship”
Adagio	Curated sets, customer reviews	✅ “Award Winners” tab

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💡 Expert Tips for Tasting and Brewing Award-Winning Teas Like a Pro

1. Water: Use spring water—TDS 80-120 ppm.
2. Ratio: 2 g per 6 oz for blacks; 3 g for oolongs.
3. Temperature: Black 200 °F, Green 175 °F, White 185 °F.
4. Time: 3 min first infusion, add 30 s each re-steep.
5. Vessel: Gaiwan or tall glass to watch leaves dance.

Unresolved question: Why do judges slurp so loudly? We’ll spill the science in the FAQ—promise!

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📈 Trends Shaping the Future of Award-Winning Tea Companies

• Functional Botanicals: Ashwagandha, lion’s mane, CBD—medal categories now split “Functional” and “Traditional.”
• Plastic-Free Packaging: Mighty Leaf’s plant-based pouch won “Best Sustainable Packaging” in 2022.
• Cold-Brew Subscriptions: Art of Tea (featured in our video above) ships seasonal cold-brew boxes—their lemon-grass yerba mate took “Best Cold Brew” last year.

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🔍 How to Identify Genuine Award-Winning Tea Products

✅ Look for:

• Competition logo on tin (e.g., Global Tea Championship, World Tea Awards)
• Lot number that matches winner’s certificate (often posted on brand site)

❌ Red flags:

• Generic “award-winning” text without year/category
• Outdated seals (older than three harvest cycles)

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Ready for more? Jump to our FAQ to discover why judges slurp, which milk ruins medal profiles, and whether decafs ever win.

📝 Conclusion: Savoring the Best from Award-Winning Tea Companies

After diving deep into the world of award-winning tea companies, one thing is crystal clear: quality, sustainability, and innovation are the holy trinity that separates the champions from the rest. Whether it’s the heritage-rich Twinings with their timeless breakfast blends or the cutting-edge Shangri La Tea crafting exotic iced teas that defy expectations, these brands have mastered the art of turning leaves into liquid gold.

Our tea tasters at Tea Brands™ have personally experienced the velvety smoothness of Harney & Sons’ Paris blend, the honeyed complexity of Rishi’s Jade Oolong, and the playful sweetness of DAVIDsTEA’s Forever Nuts. Each brand carries its own personality, but all share a commitment to excellence that’s palpable in every sip.

Remember our teaser about the judges’ loud slurping? It’s not just showmanship—it’s a sensory technique to aerate the tea, spreading it across the palate and amplifying flavor perception. Now you can impress your friends with your own “slurp” at your next tea tasting!

If you’re new to award-winning teas, start with Shangri La Tea’s Kan Junga Silken Pyramids or Twinings’ Superblends—both offer approachable yet complex profiles that showcase why they’re perennial medalists.

In short: go forth, sip boldly, and savor the best the tea world has to offer! 🍵✨

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📚 Recommended Links for Tea Enthusiasts and Collectors

• 👉 Shop Award-Winning Teas:

  • Twinings: Amazon | Walmart | Twinings Official
  • Harney & Sons: Amazon | Harney Official
  • Shangri La Tea: Amazon | Shangri La Official
  • Rishi Tea: Amazon | Rishi Official
  • DAVIDsTEA: Amazon | DAVIDsTEA Official

• Books for Tea Lovers:

  • The Tea Enthusiast’s Handbook by Mary Lou Heiss & Robert J. Heiss: Amazon
  • The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Uhl: Amazon
  • Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties by Kevin Gascoyne et al.: Amazon

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🤔 Frequently Asked Questions About Award-Winning Tea Companies

Which award-winning tea companies offer the best organic blends?

Rishi Tea and Numi Organic Tea lead the pack for organic excellence. Both brands hold Regenerative Organic Certified® status, ensuring their teas are grown with minimal environmental impact and without synthetic pesticides. Rishi’s Jade Oolong and Numi’s Chinese Breakfast are standout organic blends that have won multiple awards for both flavor and sustainability. For those prioritizing organic credentials alongside taste, these brands are your best bet.

How do award-winning tea companies source their tea leaves?

Top-tier companies source tea leaves from single estates or smallholder farms with strict quality controls. For example, Twinings partners with estates in Darjeeling and Assam that follow fair-trade practices and sustainable farming. Shangri La Tea emphasizes direct trade relationships with Himalayan growers, ensuring freshness and ethical sourcing. Many award-winning companies also invest in regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and biodiversity, which enhances tea quality over time.

What makes award-winning tea companies stand out in flavor and quality?

Award-winning teas excel due to a combination of meticulous leaf selection, expert processing, and innovative blending. Judges look for leaf integrity, aroma complexity, liquor clarity, and finish length. Companies like Harney & Sons and Shangri La Tea invest heavily in quality control labs and skilled tea masters who oversee every step from plucking to packaging. Additionally, sustainability certifications and social responsibility increasingly influence awards, reflecting a holistic approach to quality.

Can I buy exclusive teas from award-winning tea companies online?

Absolutely! Most award-winning tea brands maintain robust online stores with exclusive blends and limited editions unavailable in retail outlets. For instance, Teavana offers rare oolong sachets on their website, and Shangri La Tea sells their Kan Junga Silken Pyramids exclusively online. Amazon and Etsy also host curated collections of championship teas, but buying directly from the brand often guarantees freshness and authenticity.

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Why do tea judges slurp so loudly during tastings?

The loud slurp is a purposeful technique to aerate the tea, spreading it evenly across the palate and enhancing flavor perception. It also helps cool the tea slightly so judges can taste nuances without burning their tongues. So next time you sip your award-winning brew, don’t be shy to slurp like a pro!

Are decaffeinated teas ever recognized in awards?

While decaf teas rarely win top honors due to flavor compromises during decaffeination, some companies like DAVIDsTEA have developed award-winning herbal and decaf blends that impress judges with their balance and aroma. The key is using gentle decaffeination methods like CO2 extraction that preserve flavor integrity.

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🔗 Reference Links and Resources

• Global Tea Championship Official Rules and Winners
• Twinings Official Website
• Harney & Sons Official Website
• Shangri La Tea Official Website
• Rishi Tea Official Website
• Numi Organic Tea Official Website
• DAVIDsTEA Official Website
• World Tea Awards

Explore more on Tea Brands™:

• Tea Brand Spotlights
• Tea Brand Guides
• Health Benefits of Tea
• Herbal Tea
• Specialty Blends