Understand completely who your supplier is and their environmental policies . 100 % compostable tea bags are the leading edge . You should accept nothing less . There are some teas that present well , ( imported with inherent supply issues ) but if you peel back the layers , you will understand that the tea bag is synthetic and is not a reflection of your group ' s mandate for environmental stewardship ; nor the ethos of your target market .
Some luxury tea suppliers offer online staff training modules purpose-built to assist F & B with staff training , leading to an improved guest experience . Staff win as well , since engaged and knowledgeable staff are generally rewarded with higher gratuities .
Create a tea vision that addresses all needs throughout the property and do so with a cohesive policy which reinforces the luxury connotation that is inherent in your group .
The Bottom Line
The world is requiring INNOVATIVE THINKING and the COVID reset is presenting you with an opportunity to uncover new revenue streams with Luxury Tea . It is the bold and prescient who will be the winners .
Create an integrated strategy by leveraging the chain ’ s volume and including the exclusive teas in the group ’ s retail space – online and at property level . This furthers brand loyalty and enhances group performance since retail is a corporate entity as opposed to an extension of the management agreement .
Engage Chef to create local pairings with your exclusive teas . Successful localized experimentation leads to the probability that consumers in the property ’ s local market area will be more inclined to visit the property for Afternoon Tea or other offerings F & B has created .
Part of your exclusive tea brand should include wellness options broadening the consuming base beyond F & B to include the property ’ s Spa and Wellness Salons – a significant revenue and experience driver .
About the author Vandergrift is CEO of The Metropolitan Luxury Tea Group , holds an MBA , and is Tea Master Level 5 . His career started as a currency and commodity trader , but over the last couple of decades morphed into navigating international and domestic markets as a completely premium tea-centric entity . In addition to this , he acts as an advisor to certain tea-growing companies around the world encouraging them to grow premium and sustainable produce suitable for the high-end markets , furthering his ethos that the whole supply chain must win : from farmworker to consumer .
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