Two Leaves and a Bud is an American organic tea company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Basalt, Colorado.[1] The company manufactures and distributes whole leaf organic teas packaged in pyramid-shaped, plant-based compostable sachets, and is recognized as one of the first companies in North America to offer organic teas in compostable pyramid-shaped sachets.[2][3]
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Beverage |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Richard Rosenfeld |
| Headquarters | Basalt, Colorado, United States |
Area served | United States and internationally |
| Products | Organic whole leaf tea sachets, loose leaf teas, iced teas, matcha, tea lattes |
| Website | www.twoleavestea.com |

History
editTwo Leaves and a Bud was founded in 2004 by Richard Rosenfeld after he traveled extensively throughout Asia and developed a passion for fresh, whole-leaf tea.[4] Rosenfeld visited tea gardens in Sri Lanka, India, and China to develop relationships with organic tea farmers before launching the company from Basalt, Colorado.[4][5]
The company was named after the part of the Camellia sinensis plant harvested to produce the highest-quality tea: the top two leaves and a single bud.[5]
Originally intending to build a loose-leaf tea business, Rosenfeld pivoted to whole-leaf tea sachets early in the company's history to better serve the foodservice and retail markets.[4] Two Leaves and a Bud became one of the earliest adopters of plant-based, compostable sachet materials in North America.[4]
The company's teas are available in cafes, grocery stores, and specialty shops across the United States and internationally.[6]
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated shipments of tea to nursing home residents across the United States as part of a community outreach initiative.[7]
Two Leaves and a Bud was recognized with the Colorado Companies to Watch Award, a program run by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade that annually recognizes 50 innovative companies for their positive impact on Colorado's economy.[6]
Products
editTwo Leaves and a Bud produces a range of certified USDA organic teas, including black, green, white, herbal, and wellness varieties, sourced from tea-growing regions primarily in India and China, as well as Sri Lanka.[8][9] The company also sources organic peppermint from farms in Eastern Washington State.[10]
Its product lines include:
- Whole leaf tea sachets — pyramid-shaped sachets made from plant-based, compostable PLA film, available in over 20 varietals
- Loose leaf teas — certified organic loose leaf options across multiple tea types
- Iced teas — organic iced tea bags in multiple flavors
- Tea lattes — powdered latte mixes including Nice Chai and Nice Matcha
- Matcha — finely ground Japanese matcha in plain and sweetened varieties
- Purpose-Filled Teas — an organic wellness range including Detox, Energize, Invigorate, and Hydrate blends[11]
All teas are certified gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.[10]
Sustainability
editTwo Leaves and a Bud has prioritized environmental sustainability since its founding. The company was among the first in North America to offer organic teas packaged in compostable pyramid-shaped sachets.[12][13]
All tea sachets and wrappers are made from PLA (polylactic acid), a plant-based, petroleum-free, certified compostable material.[14] The company holds organic certifications in both the United States and the European Union.[14]
Two Leaves and a Bud sources teas from organic gardens where growers are fairly paid, and makes sourcing decisions based on environmental and ethical standards rather than price or availability.[14] The company donates one percent of sales from its Purpose-Filled Teas range to Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit climate-advocacy organization.[15]
Awards
edit- 2012 North American Tea Championships — First place, Jasmine Petal tea[16]
- 2013 North American Tea Championships — Second place, Paisley Brand Organic Chai[16]
- Colorado Companies to Watch Award — Recognized as one of Colorado's 50 most innovative second-stage companies[17]
References
edit- ↑ "3 Reasons Two Leaves and a Bud Won 'Colorado Companies to Watch'". World Tea News. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ↑ "Two Leaves and a Bud — Basalt, CO". Uncover Colorado. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ↑ "Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Co. pioneers compostable sachets". Beverage Industry. 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
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