Which label to choose for organic tea?

In 2019, the tea market was worth approximately $55 billion. Enough to want to boost production, with varying degrees of ethics. To navigate this rapidly expanding market, organic tea labels are in high demand. While some represent genuine values such as the European organic label or the AB certificate, others, on the other hand, perform minimal control of production and chemical fertilizers. Let's take a closer look at organic tea labels.

The European organic label

The European organic label is the only mandatory one. Its legal framework is European. This certification, whose logo is not well-known, aims to respect natural cycles and move towards sustainable agriculture both for product quality and for producers.

The AB label

The AB certificate, with its well-known logo, originates from France. Its objective is to highlight 100% organic products whose production respects the environment. Certified organic products are guaranteed to be free from pesticides or chemical compounds.

Other interesting labels

Besides these organic tea labels, other certifications also deserve your attention:

• the Max Havelaar label, which ensures fair trade with a fair minimum income for producers;
• the Rainforest Alliance label, which seeks to protect primary forests with sustainable agriculture that benefits small producers;
• the UTZ CERTIFIED label, which guarantees decent working conditions for producers and respect for the environment.

The promises of organic tea labels

For organic teas, but also for other plants like coffee or rooibos, numerous labels exist. But which ones truly guarantee 100% organic tea? Do they seek to promote fair trade, environmental protection, or the absence of pesticides and chemical fertilizers? Let's decode the main organic tea labels.

The promises of the European organic label

The European organic label promotes qualitative excellence through agriculture that respects nature's cycles. Existing in European countries, this label guarantees:

• products with at least 95% of ingredients from organic farming;
• products directly from producers with sealed packaging (box or bag);
• clear traceability information.

The promises of the AB label

The AB certification is quite similar, in terms of specifications, to the European organic label. According to the French Agency for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture, this label guarantees:

• products with at least 95% of ingredients from organic farming, respectful of the environment and animal welfare;
• ingredients grown without pesticides and without chemicals;
• a maximum presence of 0.9% GMOs in the processed product;
• clear traceability information.

Is a label a guarantee of quality?

With their strict specifications, labels such as the AB certification or the European organic certification are a guarantee of quality. They ensure a product with little to no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. But should we then discard teas without an organic label? Not really, because certifications are expensive and some small producers, especially in small gardens in Asian countries, cannot afford to pay for them for their tea leaves.