See below for all The Leafies 2026 categories for tea producers and retailers.
Categories for Tea Producers
These broad tea categories are not divided into regional sub-categories. However, all teas will be grouped and blind tasted according to region for the judges. This allows for comparison across boundaries but will also respect regional differences. Each category judging panel comprises multiple regional experts.
White
White teas from all regions.
- WN White Natural
Yellow
Yellow teas from all regions.
- Y Yellow Natural
Green
Green teas from all regions, divided by processing methods.
- GS Green Steamed
- GPR Green Panned/Roasted
Oolong
Oolong teas from all regions, divided by levels of oxidisation.
- OLO Oolong Lightly Oxidised
- OHO Oolong Heavily Oxidised
Black
Black teas divided by regions.*
- BC Black China
- BT Black Taiwan
- BJ Black Japan
- BI Black India
- BSL Black Sri Lanka
- BAF Black Africa
- BO Black Other
Blends
All blended teas, divided by pure tea blends and tea blended with other ingredients, including chai.
- BLC Blends (camellia sinensis only)
- BLB Blends (camellia sinensis + botanicals)
Dark Teas
Dark teas from all regions divided by raw and cooked.
- DTR Dark Teas (Raw)
- DTC Dark Teas (Cooked)
Powdered Teas
Powdered teas from all regions divided by matcha and other powdered teas.
- PTM Powdered Tea Matcha
- PTO Powdered Tea Other
Scented Tea
Any scented teas including Jasmine and smoked teas.
- ST Scented Teas*
Experimental Teas
For teas that do not fall neatly into any other category or demonstrate experimental farming and/or processing methods.
- EXP Experimental Teas
New Regions / Producers
Any tea from a region that has no history of tea production or from a garden/estate that has been making tea for less than five years. Entrants may also enter their teas into other categories to be judged against more established regions if they wish.
- NRP New Region
Fruit and Herbal Infusions
Divided by single ingredients and blends, this category is dedicated to showcasing outstanding ingredients for infusions.
- FHS Fruit and Herbal Single Ingredient
- FHB Fruit and Herbal Blended Botanical Ingredients
Ready to Drink
Any cold brew, kombucha or other ready to drink teas. These could be still or sparkling, pure camellia sinensis a blend or botanical infusion.
- RTD Ready to Drink
Categories for Retailers
To qualify as a retailer for The Leafies, you must sell tea/herbals from several producers direct to the consumer either online with a transactional website, or through a physical retail space.
Winning an award means retailers can add the distinguished mark of The Leafies to their packaging and differentiate their product in a growing market to demonstrate quality and superior taste to customers.
White
- REW Retail White
Green
- REG Retail Green
Oolong
- REO Retail Oolong
Black
- REB Retail Black
Yellow
- REY Retail Yellow
Powdered Teas
- PTMC Powdered Tea Matcha (ceremonial)
- PTML Powdered Tea Matcha (latte)
- REPTO Powdered Tea Other
Blends
All blended teas, divided by pure blends (camellia sinensis only, eg breakfast blends) and camellia sinensis with botanicals (herbs, spices eg chai).
- REBC Blends (camellia sinensis only)
- REBL Blends (camellia sinensis + botanicals, including chai)*
Ready to Drink
Any cold brew, kombucha or other ready to drink teas (including herbal infusions) that are available to purchase.
- RERTD Retail Ready To Drink
Fruit and Herbal Infusions
Divided by single ingredients and blends, this category is dedicated to showcasing outstanding ingredients for infusions.
- REFHS Fruit and Herbal Single Ingredient
- REFHB Fruit and Herbal Blended Botanical Ingredients
Scented Tea
Any teas with a scent including Jasmine, Earl Grey, smoked teas.
- RES Scented Tea*
Entries for The Leafies 2026 is now open
Partners
Partners of The Leafies International Tea Awards
