Kaiyang's 'tea lollipops' make their mark on global markets

In June, Guizhou Kaiyang Lanzhi Tea Development Co exported 15,000 "tea lollipops" to Singapore, where they are now available in local supermarkets and Chinese restaurants. Using Singapore as a re-export hub, the products are also making their way to Europe and Southeast Asia.

Workers process freshly picked tea leaves at Guizhou Kaiyang Lanzhi Tea Development Co's workshop. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]

The "tea lollipops" are an innovative summer and autumn tea product launched this year, available in six flavors including rose, oolong, and jasmine. Shaped like lollipops, these tea sticks brew quickly – just stir a few times in boiled water for an instant and fragrant cup of tea.

Known as "China's selenium-rich agricultural product hometown", Kaiyang county in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province, has a long history of growing tea, with 92,000 mu (6133.3 hectares) of tea gardens and 52 tea companies generating over 1.6 billion yuan ($200 million) annually.

The tea lollipop brews instantly – just stir it in hot water like instant coffee for a quick cup of tea. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]

Company head Zhang emphasized their commitment to eco-friendly farming and high-quality tea, noting customers praise the tea for retaining its flavor even after brewing 10 times.

The company is currently applying for a patent to protect the tea lollipops' intellectual property and plans to expand the summer and autumn tea industry, promoting sustainable growth in the tea sector.