Tea, an age-old beverage, has the remarkable ability to bring people together, whether in times of celebration or quiet introspection. In a world that often races past the beauty of such moments, Picker’s Pocket Teas emerges as a beacon, inviting us to slow down, appreciate, and savour each cup. focus dives into the captivating story behind this unique tea brand and its founders, Sally Miller and Alex Musgrave, whose passion for tea and respect for its origins have birthed a remarkable collection of handcrafted teas that stand for more than just flavour.
Before Picker’s Pocket Teas: A Journey of Authenticity
Before Picker’s Pocket Teas, Sally and Alex were no strangers to the world of crafting authentic experiences. They used to organise travel experiences to Sri Lanka, with a focus on connecting travellers with the genuine essence of the country. These journeys included visits to sustainable tea plantations, fostering intimate connections with the tea growers and artisans. It was this early exposure that paved the way for the deep relationships that now shape Picker’s Pocket Teas.
In 2019, their journey led them back to Sri Lanka, where they explored local tea plantations, rekindling their passion for loose-leaf tea. With the pandemic confining them to home shores, their yearning for the flavours of Sri Lankan tea led to the creation of Picker’s Pocket Teas, an endeavour deeply rooted in values of transparency and authenticity.
The Name Behind the Brand: Picker’s Pocket
Behind every name is a story, and Picker’s Pocket is no exception. It tells of a practise as old as time itself – the act of tea picking. Just as we keep our most cherished items close, the “picker’s pocket” holds the finest tea leaves, meticulously chosen by those closest to the tea plants. This narrative is symbolic of the connections Picker’s Pocket Teas strives to build – a connection to the source, the growers, the history, and the simple moments of enjoyment.
Crafting Stories in Every Sip: Tea Origins and Partnerships
Every cup of Picker’s Pocket tea is a culmination of stories, carefully cultivated by the hands that pick the tea leaves. All teas hail directly from small communities of growers in Sri Lanka. Notable among these are Amba Estate, Forest Hill, and Kaley Tea, each chosen for their dedication to quality artisanal teas, social impact, and environmental responsibility. Amba Estate’s innovative model, Forest Hill’s unique reclamation of abandoned land, and Kaley Tea’s reforestation efforts have all found a home in the Picker’s Pocket’s ethos.
A Path of Transparency and Connection
The heart of Picker’s Pocket Teas beats with transparency and a genuine connection. Sally and Alex forge meaningful relationships with each tea plantation, walking through the fields, learning about traditional recipes passed down through generations, and fostering communication through messages and video calls. They’ve even shared cups of tea and New Zealand treats with the growers and artisans, bridging the gap between consumer and creator. Their commitment to traceability is unwavering, with each tea’s journey meticulously documented and shared.
Our commitment to understanding the work that goes into our teas is unparalleled. We have hiked through forests with leeches and snakes, over creeks and through the bushland to gather the wild tea.
Rediscovering the Art of Tea Appreciation
In a fast-paced world, the art of tea appreciation often takes a backseat. Picker’s Pocket Teas aims to rekindle this art, sharing inspiring stories of origin on their packaging and caddies. They challenge the misconception that loose-leaf tea is less convenient than tea bags by providing practical solutions like in-cup strainers for on-the-go brewing. Much like craft beer and fine wine, each tea is a unique tapestry of flavours, a product of the region it has come from.
Their innovative teas bring novel flavours to New Zealand, encouraging people of all ages to explore the world of tea.
Sustainable Packaging, Responsible Practises
Picker’s Pocket Teas takes a holistic approach to sustainability. Their packaging is forest-friendly, utilising FSC-accredited solutions and nature-inspired vegetable inks. Partnering with tea plantations that emphasise environmental harmony, from utilising solar energy to regenerating forests, they’re committed to giving back to nature more than they take.
Honouring Craftsmanship and Fairness
Picker’s Pocket Teas stands out for their dedication to fair compensation. Through a direct trade model, they partner with plantations that prioritise bonuses, education, and training, uplifting tea pickers’ lives beyond government-set wages. By partnering with organisations like the Tea Leaf Trust, they are able to empower youth in remote tea estates with education and opportunities.
Behind each blend lies a captivating story. Ashok’s journey from a Tea Leaf Trust school attendee to an inventor creating machines to cut lemongrass for Picker’s Pocket Teas beautifully encapsulates the brand’s mission. These stories are shared on packaging, celebrating the hands that shape each blend.
The Art of Taking Time: A Message to Tea Enthusiasts
Picker’s Pocket Teas carries a simple yet profound message – that tea is not just a beverage but an art form, a reflection of culture, history, and craftsmanship. Much like we savour fine wine or artisan cheese, each cup of Picker’s Pocket tea invites us to slow down, appreciate the journey, and cherish the moment.
Pickers Pocket Teas can be purchased from their online store.