Andrew Walker launched his new business, TEA REX, at the BBC Good Food Show in November 2016 and the company have already been recognised for their work.

The world’s first 100% fresh single serving fruit and root tea, TEA REX, have won two Great Taste awards, a Quality Food Award and were also shortlisted for a World Food Innovations Award.

A Great Taste Award was given for the Wakey Wakey Rise & Rawr tea - a cup of zingy lemon, fresh root turmeric and ginger tea. A second award was for the Rawrsome Berry Time tea, which features blackberries, blueberries and raspberries as well as ginger root and lemon.

The business also won the Small Producer of the Year Award in the Quality Food Awards’ drinks category. Judges said they were impressed by the “passion, drive and love” that went into the business. As part of the award, Andrew will have the opportunity to work with the Co-op to supply the community retailer.

Founder, Andrew, said about his company:

“In a rapidly growing fruit and herbal tea market, with an increased consumer demand for wellness-focused natural products, there is a game-changing opportunity to create a new category in fresh infusions. Fresh ingredients like turmeric, lemon and ginger have been brewed as revitalising remedies for 1000’s of years.

However, dehydrated fruit teas on sale today just don’t ever taste as good as they smell. This is because drying and over-processing has compromised natural goodness and flavours. Think - when was the last time you had powdered egg or milk? So why are we still drinking dried fruit tea?

We’re on a mission to change this by inventing a fresh alterative which delivers the most nutritionally dense and flavoursome cuppa in the category.”

Alumnus Andrew graduated from Loughborough in 2006 with a degree in Industrial Design and Technology.

Congratulations to Andrew and the team on their success.

Check out the feature piece here:

 

Speciality Food Magazine asked TEA REX for it's take on innovation within the drinks industry. Our founder Andrew obviously jumped at the chance - See what he had to say below:

"The current drinks market is full of a whole host of new brand launches with innovation as a key selling point.  However, when you look a little closer, beyond the label, genuine innovation is few and far between.  The brands that really stand apart combine both new product thinking and great brand delivery – here are a couple of examples:

TAPPED birch water harvests nutrient rich water by literally tapping trees for 15mins per bottle.  This is a new process in the market, but what makes this the complete product, is their unique round drinks bottle to emulate a birch trunk. Simply obvious, yet highly effective.

Another category owning brand just by virtue of their clever name, is ‘PHIZZ’ with their effervescent rehydration tablets. Previously you have had to hold your nose while you drank these dissolved tablets as they are a means to ending a hangover or upset stomach. In short PHIZZ tastes good, but also look tasteful. They are a lifestyle product, not just a lifesaver.  This innovative positioning opens up whole new market for consumers looking for healthy hydration on the go.

There are a lot (a lot) of options to get your coffee fix out there in a cold format. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee really kicked this off bringing a great tasting beverage to the masses.  Since then the market has been flooded by products which have a factional difference, but the new coffee sodas from guys at Sandows really standout. Fizzy, cold, spiced (or citrus) coffee in a can? Wacky yes, but a totally original taste wrapped in a well-designed stubby beer tin – surprisingly refreshing all round.

In the fruit tea market consumers have accepted that a fruity cuppa smells great, but tastes of dishwater. This is simply because when you dehydrate ingredients you lose flavour… when was the last time you had powdered egg or milk? The solution is simple – go fresh.  To go against the beige bag status quo we have invented a new format and delivery method to bring this to market. But, as with the brands above, it is only when you combine the innovation into a brand which intrigues and engages consumers, will it turn in a real category game changer."

Some of the exciting recent press about our delicious fruit infusions. It's been great meeting so many people over this past year and it's always epic to get such support.

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As you guys might have seen (because we haven't stopped talking about it) this January we have launched in Whole Foods. As our first major retailer this is a really exciting step for us and we can't wait to see what 2018 has in store. 

You can find our WAKEY WAKEY and BERRY TIME blends in the chiller section near the yogurt and milk drinks... 

In the next few months there will be plenty of news to announce, including more places for you to buy our RAWESOME fresh fruit and root infusions from. 

TEA REX has at pop-up at Sourced Market, St. Pancras. For one month only, serving up fresh hot fruit infusions to cold commuters. 

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TEA REX has been shortlisted for ‘Best New Brand or Business’ in the World Innovation Food Awards. This nomination follows winning the 2016 BBC Good Food Show Award and being listed by Speciality Food Magazine as one top faces to look out for in 2017.

"In such an over described under flavoured marketplace our brand is our main weapon to cut through and stand out, so it’s great to get recognised for making the right noises." said founder Andrew Walker

 

Andrew / Founder

Just under 10 months ago from launching at the BBC Good Food Show it was announced on Tuesday that TEA REX has won two Great Taste Awards. This is a massive milestone for us in our journey to creating a new fresh fruit infusion category. We’ve gone from making every sachet by hand in our kitchen to being backed and produced by one of the UK’s largest and most innovative manufactures. We see Great Taste as the Oscars of the food world and it’s a mark we are very proud to add to very pack from now on.Lots to do, but for now I’ll leave you with the comments from the judging panel:

WAKEY WAKEY RISE AND RAWR

"Wow what delivery of concept! Great theatre at the table! A clean infusion, refreshing and zingy. Slightly sharp and a little acidic. A bold blend that delivers a punch for sure. Good balance of turmeric."

 

Andrew / Founder

TEA REX – RIP RAWRING BERRY TIME

"Exciting concept! Rhubarb pink in colour once infused. Very fresh, clean pure and alive, complementary partners. Whilst delicious, the soft and delicate flavours would benefit from extra depth of flavour."