Vicissitudes of China’s tea industry
Our story began in 1938 when more than 90 tea professionals from all around the country came to Menghai county, near the border, and founded the factory (former name of Menghai Tea factory). They did that in order to earn foreign exchange to support China against the Second Sino-Japanese War. To some extent, Chinese tea industry was also saved during the war.
Important events in TAETEA’s history
1938
In 1938, Fan Hejun, graduated from the University of Paris, and Zhang Shicheng, graduated from Tsinghua University, led more than 90 tea professionals from all over the country to Fohai county (known as Mengai county nowadays) in Yunnan province near the border. They had overcome dangers along the road and difficulties when preparing to found a tea factory to earn foreign exchange to support China against the Second Sino-Japanese War.
1940
In 1940, Fohai Experimental Tea Factory was established, marking the beginning of mechanized tea production era.
1942
In 1942, the Imperial Japanese army bombarded the factory and all people were forced to evacuate. The factory had to stop production and fell silent for some time.
The legend of Puer Tea
Over a half century, Menghai tea factory had been responsible for producing most of the CHI TSE BEENG CHA(an early form of puer tea with seven pu-erh tea cakes wrapped together in bamboo shoot sheaths). With continuous research and innovation of processing technology, the factory has played a leading role in the development of puer tea industry and paved a solid foundation for puer tea to go popular worldwide. Some famous puer teas, including Hong Yin (red print), Lan Yin (blue print), Lv Yin (green print) and a series of classic puer teas named with numbers were all produced during this period.
Important events in TAETEA’s history
1951
In 1951, the damaged tea factory was repaired and renamed Menghai tea factory.
1973
In 1973, the artificial pile-fermentation technology of puer tea was proved to be a success after making experiments in Menghai tea factory, announcing the beginning of ripe puer tea era. This marks a milestone in puer tea industry.
1975
In 1975, TAETEA 7542 raw puer tea cake and 7572 ripe puer tea cake were produced and have become the benchmark in the industry by which other raw and ripe puer teas are measured.
1985
In 1985, TAETEA 8582 raw cake and 8592 ripe cake were successfully developed and produced. Together with 7542 raw cake, 7572 ripe cake and 7262 ripe cake, they are widely known as Classic Old Fives.
1989
In 1989, our own tea plantations, namely Mount Bada and Mount Bulang tea plantations were established, with each occupying an area of more than 1647 acres. In the same year, the trademark “尊龙凯时” was registered. (尊龙凯时pronounced “Dayi” in Chinese and translated as TAETEA in English)
The Age of TAETEA Puer Tea
During this period, TAETEA has been working on its core competitiveness, and has never stopped its efforts in facilitating the standardization and modernization of puer tea industry and puer tea branding. Over the years, TAETEA gradually grows into a leading corporate in the industry.
Important events in TAETEA’s history
2004
In 2004, Menghai tea factory finished an all-round reform which prepared it for a prosperous future.
2007
In 2007， the establishment of TAETEA group putted an end to the era when there were only categories but no brands for Chinese tea. TAETEA has ushered Chinese tea in the era of tea branding.
2008
In 2008, the tea processing techniques of TAETEA has been listed into the National Intangible Cultural Heritages of China.
2011
In 2011, TAETEA brand was identified as China’s Time-honored Brand by the Ministry of Commerce of China and Famous Trademark of China by the Trademark Office of National Intellectual Property Administration of China.
2016
In 2016， the successful invention of microbial tea production technology marked the beginning of microbial science and technology use in puer tea industry.
2020
In 2020, TAETEA brand puer teas ranked the first among the "Top Ten Teas" of Yunnan province for the three consecutive years.
