Recession isn’t watering down demand for tea
SINGAPORE — The global economic crisis may have damped the appetite for most high-end goods, but one small daily luxury —gourmet tea — has been posting surprisingly strong sales, prompting some brands to consider expanding around the world.
With names such as Silver Moon, Emperor’s White Garden, Gout Russe Douchka and Sakura, Sakura, the teas reflect a wide range of exotic flavors, attracting an almost religious following among tea lovers.
While the rarest teas, such as yellow teas, can cost $2,120 for 2 instant payday loan.2 pounds, gourmet teas cost 30 percent more than standard teas on average, making them an affordable luxury for many.
"There is definitely no crisis when it comes down to gourmet tea; our sales have been increasing every year by 15 to 25 percent ever since we started in 1987," said Francois-Xavier Delmas, founder and chief executive of Le Palais des Thes in Paris.