The Golden Leaf Awards, an annual specialty tea competition begun in Australia in 2014, is accepting registrations via its website through November 21st, and all teas must be delivered by November 30. The event is organized by Australian Tea Masters, a Geelong, Victoria-based tea seller and training company, to promote quality teas available in the Australian market, which was valued at US$696 million in 2021.
Each year, the judging receives more than 400 entries competing for a gold, silver, and bronze prices in numerous categories. The winning companies get a certificate, medal, and the right to display the official award seal. Competitors must pay AUD $65 for each entry. This year's judging will take place during December 4–18, and winners will be announced on January 15, 2024.
The competition has dozens of categories grouped in 11 tea classes: white, green, yellow, oolong, black, matcha, pu-er, chai, herbal, wellness, and iced tea. There are also awards in other categories such as for the best tea house, website, app, book, speaker and so on.
The 2023 edition will spotlight India as the feature country, judging six types of teas that origin. Entries from Indian producers for the featured awards are accepted free of charge.
“This esteemed recognition shines a spotlight on India’s rich tea heritage and its exceptional artisan tea producers, providing them with a global platform to showcase their craftsmanship and open new avenues of growth and recognition,” said Sharyn Johnston, CEO of Australian Tea Masters.
Golden Leaf Awards claims to have the most categories of any tea competition in the world, giving entrants good opportunities to win.
“This recognition will not only boost the reputation of the producers but also pave the way for new partnerships and collaborations in the international tea market,” Johnston said.
Two tea gardens from India have participated in the awards in the past: Doke from Bihar and Rujani, an online brand from Aideobarie tea garden in Jorhat district of Assam.
"Specialty teas has not caught the imagination of Indian tea farms, and therefore our consumers have not had a taste of teas beyond chai," said Raj Barooah founder of Rujani Tea, which is the first tea company from India to have an operation in Australia.
"When we were entering the Aussie market, we needed to be introduced and what better way than to win two gold medal awards in its premier tea competition," Barooah said.