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Tazo
Tazo
from Wikipedia

Tazo Tea Company (TAZO) is a tea and herbal tea blender and distributor founded in Portland, Oregon. It is now a Lipton Teas and Infusions division and is based in Kent, Washington.

Key Information

History

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Tazo (/ˈtɑːz/) Tea was founded in 1994 by Steven Smith.[1] The manufacturing and distribution was maintained by North American Tea & Coffee, a Canadian-based food manufacturing company.[2]

Tazo approached then Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz in 1998, seeking further investment partners. The company was purchased by Starbucks in 1999 for $8.1 million.[3]

Starbucks opened the first Tazo-branded tea shop in November 2012.[4] It closed a year later and was converted into a Teavana store.[5]

In November 2017, Starbucks sold Tazo to Unilever for $384 million.[6]

Unilever reached an agreement in November 2021 to sell the majority of its tea business to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for €4.5 billion.[7] This included the Tazo business. The sale was completed in July 2022, with the new company named Lipton Teas and Infusions.[8]

Marketing

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A selection of Tazo teas, showing the pre-2006 logo
An organic chai tea bag, showing the Tazo logo used since 2013

The company uses "New Age"-style marketing and product labeling. For example, every box of tea was once labeled as "blessed by a certified tea shaman" and an original tag line was "The Reincarnation of Tea."

Until 2013, the logo used the Exocet typeface, slightly modified. For example, the T in Tazo was changed for readability purposes in 2006 by sliding the cross-piece toward the top of the letter.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tazo is an American tea brand specializing in bold and innovative blends of , black, green, and chai teas, founded in 1994 by tea entrepreneur Steven Smith in . Inspired by global travels and diverse tea cultures, Smith aimed to create unexpected flavor combinations using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients to invigorate the senses. The brand gained prominence for its exotic and imaginative offerings, such as Classic Chai, Passion hibiscus blend, and Zen green tea, available in formats including loose-leaf bags, K-Cup pods, and ready-to-drink bottled teas. Tazo products are non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher certified, and 97% ethically sourced through Rainforest Alliance partnerships, emphasizing sustainability and responsible farming practices. Initially distributed through North American Tea & Coffee Co., Tazo was acquired by Starbucks in 1999 for $8.1 million, expanding its reach in grocery, mass, and convenience channels. In 2017, Starbucks sold Tazo to for $384 million, including its recipes, intellectual property, and inventory, as part of a to focus on the brand; the transaction closed on December 11, 2017. In 2022, sold its tea business, including Tazo, to , which operates it under the ekaterra brand. Under ekaterra, Tazo has continued to innovate, becoming the top-selling chai latte liquid concentrate in the U.S. market while maintaining its commitment to challenging conventional experiences with vibrant, culturally inspired blends.

Overview

Founding and Etymology

Tazo Tea Company was founded in 1994 in , by tea entrepreneur Steven Smith, in partnership with Stephen Lee and Tom Mesher. Smith, who had previously co-founded Stash Tea Company in 1972 and served as its tea master, sought to create a new venture focused on innovative blending after Stash was acquired by Yamamotoyama in 1993. The company emerged as a response to Smith's dissatisfaction with conventional American offerings, aiming to introduce bold, unconventional flavors that captured the essence of global traditions. Smith's vision for Tazo was deeply influenced by his extensive travels as a tea explorer, during which he sourced spices, botanicals, and rare ingredients from around the world to craft unique blends. Drawing from diverse cultures, he emphasized experimentation with non-traditional combinations to produce teas that were vibrant and sensory-awakening, positioning Tazo as a brand that transcended standard black and green varieties. This approach reflected his lifelong passion for , honed through decades of blending and tasting, and his belief in tea's potential to inspire and elevate everyday experiences. The name "Tazo" derives from the Romany word "tazo," meaning "river of life," a term reportedly suggested by a Gypsy tea-leaf reader consulted during the brand's early development, symbolizing vitality and mystical renewal. This etymology aligned with Tazo's thematic identity, evoking a sense of flowing energy and exotic allure that permeated its packaging and marketing from the outset. Initially, Tazo relied on North American Tea & Coffee, a Canadian-based manufacturer, for production and distribution to bring its blends to market efficiently. This enabled the fledgling to focus on creative formulation while leveraging established infrastructure for scaling operations in .

Current Status and Operations

As of 2025, Tazo operates as a of , a global tea acquired by in July 2022 for €4.5 billion following Unilever's announcement of the sale in November 2021. This private equity-backed structure positions Tazo within a portfolio that emphasizes purpose-driven brands, with maintaining its corporate office in , . Tazo's headquarters is located in , supporting its operations in premium tea blending and distribution. It serves markets worldwide through retail channels, cafe partnerships, and online platforms, distributing its specialty teas to consumers in , , and beyond. Under the current ownership, Tazo has prioritized sustainable sourcing, with efforts to transition its tea portfolio toward regenerative organic practices initiated in 2022. This includes commitments to responsible supply chains, where over 50% of tea is sourced from smallholder farmers as part of broader goals outlined in ' 2023 report. In 2025, concerns were raised about in Tazo tea bags, with reports indicating potential release of billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles per brew, prompting calls for plastic-free alternatives. Post-acquisition innovations emphasize ethical production and environmental impact reduction, aligning with the parent's focus on long-term well-being in the tea industry.

History

Early Years and Development

Tazo Tea was founded in 1994 in , by tea entrepreneur Steven Smith, who drew from his extensive global travels to create innovative blends that departed from conventional black, green, and varieties. The launch emphasized exotic and invigorating infusions, including a signature chai featuring bold combined with spices such as ginger root, cassia, , cloves, and , alongside herbal options like and . These early products were crafted to offer mesmerizing flavors and unexpected combinations, positioning Tazo as a pioneer in specialty teas. In the mid-, Tazo achieved rapid expansion across , with manufacturing and distribution managed by North American Tea & Coffee Co., a Canadian firm that facilitated availability in cafes, grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets. This growth capitalized on the rising interest in health-focused and premium beverages, allowing Tazo to command higher prices—$4.49 per box compared to competitors' $2.50—while building a loyal following for its all-natural, flavorful offerings. By the late , the brand had established a strong foothold in the specialty market through targeted wholesale channels. Tazo's early differentiation came through its quirky and New Age-inspired labeling, which featured whimsical, text-heavy designs loaded with imaginary mythologies, cryptic chants from "certified tea shamans," and playful narratives evoking spiritual enlightenment. Developed in collaboration with designers Steve Sandoz and Steve Sandstrom, this branding appealed to the era's wellness-oriented consumers, setting Tazo apart from traditional and enhancing its cultural appeal. Steven Smith remained central to Tazo's product innovation during this period, personally sourcing rare ingredients worldwide and experimenting with blends in his Portland kitchen to refine the brand's distinctive profiles. His visionary approach to blending influenced Tazo's development profoundly, with his creative legacy enduring until his death in 2015.

Acquisition by Starbucks

In 1999, Starbucks acquired Tazo for $8.1 million, a move that propelled the niche tea company into mainstream retail channels. This acquisition allowed Tazo to leverage ' extensive distribution network, expanding from limited specialty outlets to widespread availability in grocery stores, convenience channels, and locations across the . The integration marked a significant shift for Tazo, aligning its premium, herbally infused blends with ' growing emphasis on diverse beverages beyond . Under Starbucks' ownership, Tazo experienced rapid growth, becoming a key part of the company's portfolio and achieving a brand value of approximately $1 billion by the mid-2000s. This expansion was driven by increased product placements in retail and foodservice settings, which boosted Tazo's visibility and sales volume. By incorporating Tazo teas into menus—such as iced and hot options—the acquisition enhanced customer access and contributed to the brand's evolution into a household name in the premium segment. In 2006, Tazo underwent branding updates that refined its signature mystical aesthetic, introducing a cleaner visual identity while preserving the whimsical, exploratory elements that defined its original appeal. These changes, including streamlined packaging and logo refinements, aimed to broaden Tazo's reach to a wider audience without diluting its exotic, narrative-driven persona. Starbucks further tested Tazo's retail potential by opening its first dedicated Tazo tea shop in on November 16, 2012, offering experiential brewing and a range of Tazo products. However, the store closed in 2013 and was converted into a location, reflecting Starbucks' strategic pivot toward consolidating its tea offerings under a single premium brand.

Transition to Unilever and CVC Capital Partners

In November 2017, Starbucks announced the sale of Tazo to for $384 million, allowing the coffee chain to concentrate its resources on its brand as part of a strategic refocus on core operations. The deal, which included Tazo's , recipes, and inventory, was completed in early 2018, marking the end of ' ownership of the brand it had acquired in 1999. Under , Tazo was integrated into the company's ekaterra tea division, which encompassed brands like , , and Pukka, thereby leveraging Unilever's extensive global distribution network to expand Tazo's reach in over 100 countries. This integration positioned Tazo within the broader portfolio, enhancing its market presence through shared supply chains and marketing synergies while maintaining its premium specialty tea identity. In November 2021, agreed to sell ekaterra, including Tazo, to Fund VIII for €4.5 billion on a cash- and debt-free basis, with the transaction closing in July 2022 and renaming the entity . This shift to ownership aimed to foster independent growth for Tazo as a premium brand, free from Unilever's broader portfolio constraints. Post-acquisition, CVC emphasized strategic initiatives for Tazo, including a multiyear transition to regenerative practices to bolster credentials and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. The ownership change also supported expansion efforts, such as enhancing Tazo's presence in emerging markets and innovating product lines to drive premium segment growth globally.

Products

Tea Blends and Varieties

Tazo's tea portfolio encompasses a diverse array of blends, primarily categorized into black teas, green teas, , and chai varieties, each designed to deliver bold flavors through innovative pairings of global botanicals, spices, and fruits. As of 2025, the lineup includes core offerings alongside additional popular blends like Organic Peachy Green (a fusion of green and black teas with peach and cucumber notes) and Wild Sweet Orange (a tart with petals, licorice, ginger, and ). Black teas form the caffeinated foundation of Tazo's offerings, featuring robust profiles suited for energizing brews. The Awake English Breakfast is a straightforward, malty black tea blend ideal for a strong morning cup, while the Organic Earl Grey incorporates bergamot for a distinctive citrus aroma. Organic Chai builds on black tea with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, creating a spicy, aromatic base. Green teas provide lighter, refreshing options with moderate levels, emphasizing harmonious fusions of tea leaves and natural elements. Organic Zen combines with spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass for a bright, herbaceous lift with subtle notes. Organic Green Ginger pairs with zesty ginger and juicy , balancing spice with sweetness for an invigorating twist. Herbal infusions, all caffeine-free, highlight fruit-forward and soothing compositions drawn from diverse botanicals. Passion blends flowers, orange peel, hips, passion fruit flavor, and a hint of to yield a tart, tropical vibrancy. Organic Calm Chamomile focuses on pure for gentle relaxation, while Organic Refresh Mint delivers a crisp, cooling sensation from peppermint leaves. Organic Dream incorporates , lavender, valerian root, sweet , and for a calming, bedtime-appropriate profile. Chai varieties extend the black tea category with spiced, exotic depth, typically caffeinated unless specified otherwise. Classic Chai Latte features infused with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and for a creamy, warming spice profile. Vanilla Caramel Chai enhances this with natural and flavors alongside licorice root, ginger, , and cloves, evoking a dessert-like richness. Tazo offers decaffeinated chai options, such as Decaf Chai Latte, which retains the full spice complexity of its caffeinated counterparts using decaffeinated . Among Tazo's signature indulgent blends, several stand out for their unexpected, gourmet-inspired combinations. Glazed Lemon Loaf, a caffeine-free , merges apple, green , orange peel, , petals, and licorice with natural flavors to mimic a -glazed pastry's sweet-tart essence. Vanilla Bean Macaron unites , , , cocoa peel, licorice , and smooth notes for a warm, cookie-like . Chocolate Chai Latte introduces a decadent layer by blending spices—such as ginger, , , , and star —with chocolate-flavored syrup, resulting in a velvety, cocoa-infused chai experience. These blends exemplify Tazo's approach to crafting aromatic, boundary-pushing profiles using fruits, spices, and exotic ingredients from around the world.

Formats and Innovations

Tazo offers its teas in several convenient formats designed for diverse preparation preferences and lifestyles. Traditional bags provide a straightforward option for brewing hot or iced beverages, with varieties like Awake English Breakfast and Passion available in packs of 20. Leaf sachets, which contain loose-leaf for a more robust , are also offered for select blends such as Organic Chai Black , allowing users to enjoy premium loose-leaf quality without the need for infusers. For single-serve convenience, Tazo produces K-Cup pods compatible with brewing systems, including options like green and Classic Chai, enabling quick preparation in home or office settings. Liquid concentrates, such as those for iced teas and lattes, come in 32-ounce cartons; for example, the Iced Passion can be diluted with water for chilled drinks, while the mixes 1:1 with (dairy or plant-based) to create café-style lattes at home or commercially. Ready-to-drink bottled teas, such as Organic Passion and in 42 fl oz sizes, provide convenient on-the-go options when available in retail. Innovations in Tazo's product lineup emphasize seasonal and functional enhancements to broaden appeal. The brand has introduced limited-edition concentrates like the Pumpkin Spice Latte Black Tea, blending with warming spices for fall-inspired drinks, and the , a decaffeinated option featuring , , and notes for holiday enjoyment. In 2025, new additions include the concentrate and Iced for refreshed, fruit-forward iced options. Expansion into single-serve pods has been a key advancement, with K-Cup compatibility launched to align with the growing popularity of pod-based brewing machines, offering blends like and for effortless daily use. These formats support both hot and iced applications, reflecting Tazo's focus on versatility in modern tea consumption. Preparation methods for Tazo products are straightforward and adaptable. For hot brewing, tea bags or pods are steeped in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, as recommended for blends like Classic Chai to release full flavors. Iced tea recipes often involve brewing a stronger —such as steeping in half the usual water volume—then chilling and diluting with ice or cold water for refreshment. mixes, including the Green Tea Matcha , are prepared by combining equal parts with steamed or cold milk, suitable for home frothers or commercial machines, and can be customized with sweeteners or additional flavors. The official Tazo recipes site provides guidance for variations, such as infusing with fruits for mocktails or smoothies. Tazo products are distributed through a mix of retail and digital channels to ensure wide accessibility. They are commonly found in grocery stores like , Target, and , where bags, pods, and concentrates line beverage aisles. Online sales occur via the official Tazo website and major platforms like Amazon, offering shipping for variety packs and seasonal items. In cafes and specialty venues, Tazo supports independent operators through partnerships, such as the Cafe Collective program launched with actress in 2023, which provides , , and product supplies to local businesses for creating signature drinks. Bottled formats, when available, often stem from these retail and partnership networks.

Marketing and Branding

Brand Philosophy and Identity

Tazo's brand is encapsulated in its quest to be the "world's most unexpected tea makers," focusing on crafting bold, innovative blends that surprise and invigorate the senses. This ethos draws from mysticism, adventure, and enlightenment themes, positioning not merely as a beverage but as a catalyst for personal discovery and transformation. Early branding incorporated whimsical elements, such as references to teas "blessed by a certified tea shaman," blending humor with spiritual intrigue to differentiate Tazo from conventional tea offerings. The visual identity of Tazo has undergone key evolutions to embody its unconventional spirit. The 2006 logo update refined the original with a cleaner and stylized elements like a circular "O," adding a layer of quirkiness while improving versatility for and marketing. In 2013, during its tenure under ownership, the brand rebranded to a minimalist style featuring bold letters in earthy brown tones, stripping away ornate details for a sleek, contemporary look that emphasized authenticity. complements this identity through vibrant, exotic artwork that reinterprets ancient cultural motifs in modern contexts, paired with labels that narrate the teas' origins and evocative journeys. At its core, Tazo's values revolve around unconventional ingredients sourced globally, fostering cultural fusion in premium blends that prioritize quality and innovation. These principles target consumers seeking wellness and exploratory experiences, evoking a sense of worldly adventure in every cup. The enduring influence of founder Steven Smith, characterized by his "Merlin meets " exploratory approach, permeates the brand's narrative, inspiring ongoing commitments to bold flavor discoveries and mindful consumption.

Key Campaigns and Strategies

Tazo's early marketing efforts, launched shortly after its acquisition by in 1999, featured in-store signage with mystical and evocative slogans such as "Enlightenment Shall Be Yours," designed to position the brand as a gateway to exotic and transformative experiences within locations. In 2019, Tazo shifted toward immersive pop-up events to foster experiential engagement, including Camp Tazo, an adult-oriented camping retreat hosted by star in , where participants explored -infused activities and performances to "brew the unexpected." The campaign extended to collaborations like Camp Tazo: with Wu-Tang Clan founder , offering guided wellness sessions on [Staten Island](/page/Staten Island) to promote mindfulness through rituals. These events built on the brand's adventurous identity by creating shareable, real-world moments that encouraged buzz. The 2020 "Routine Reboot" campaign marked a pivot to digital interactivity amid the , partnering with actress to inspire consumers to redefine daily habits with Tazo teas through week-long challenges shared on platforms like . This initiative highlighted personal stories from artists and athletes, aiming to reposition Tazo as a catalyst for positive routine changes. Tazo's broader strategies emphasize digital marketing across its website and social channels, including targeted influencer partnerships and content on TikTok and Instagram to reach younger demographics. For seasonal promotions, the brand collaborates on limited-edition releases like the holiday Joy tea blend, combining black, oolong, and green teas with peach notes to drive festive gifting and in-store trials. Following its acquisition by Unilever in 2017 and subsequent sale to CVC Capital Partners (ekaterra) in 2022, Tazo amplified sustainability messaging in its campaigns, focusing on regenerative agriculture and climate justice, such as the 2022 TikTok-based regenerative ad that donated $1 to the Rodale Institute for every view, up to $250,000. In 2023, Tazo partnered with actress and producer Issa Rae to launch the Tazo Cafe Collective, an initiative inviting independent U.S. cafes to join and create bold, innovative tea and latte drinks, celebrating local cafe culture and supporting community-driven creativity. In 2024, the brand collaborated with Time Out on a summer campaign that included weekly digital activations and live events at Time Out Market New York, promoting experiential tea engagement. To appeal to convenience-oriented consumers, Tazo has pursued growth tactics including expansion into single-serve brewing systems and ready-to-drink concentrates, enabling quick preparation of its blends at home or on the go.

References

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