Spotlight | The 2025 Leafies Awards

Over five days last October, James Suranga, executive director of the International Tea Committee, served on an expert panel of judges that evaluated hundreds of entries from across the tea lands, recognizing excellence in flavor, innovation, and sustainable practices.

The 2025 edition of The Leafies, the international awards celebrating artisan tea excellence, concluded this week with an awards program in London, followed by public tastings at Fortnum & Mason.

Launched in 2022 by the UK Tea Academy in partnership with Fortnum & Mason, The Leafies attracted hundreds of entries from tea makers across Asia, Africa, and Europe. All teas were blind-tasted by an expert judging panel, with awards recognizing flavor quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Winning teas earn The Leafies’ prestige mark—now a recognized signal of excellence—and several will be displayed at Fortnum & Mason’s Rare Tea Counter.

More than trophies, The Leafies continue to connect education, terroir, and global tea craftsmanship on a single, credible platform.

BIO: James Suranga is a senior global tea executive and head of the International Tea Committee, overseeing industry data, analysis, and policy engagement. A respected judge and speaker, he brings deep expertise in tea markets, production economics, and international trade dynamics. He holds a master's degree in marketing from Edith Cowan University. | Podlink signup: https://pod.link/1549975153

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