Reported 12 months ago
In June 30, 2024, compared to machine-picked tea, hand-picked tea is more intact and clear, while machine-picked tea leaves become broken after brewing. Police revealed that disreputable tea businesses in central Taiwan cultivate influencers to sell mixed tea, mastering both physical stores and online sales. It was disclosed by industry insiders that a well-known influencer who promotes Vietnamese tea honestly and openly about its origins, named 'Dog Brother,' is actually cultivated by the same business selling mixed tea, revealing a two-faced strategy. Consumers can look at prices, inspection reports, and observe the appearance of tea leaves after brewing to distinguish between machine-picked and hand-picked teas. It is legal to sell Vietnamese tea, but sellers must be honest about it, with prices significantly lower than Taiwanese tea. The largest tea distributor in Chiayi, the main hub for illegal tea trade, is found to be '福氣茶行' in Taichung, which then supplies to two other tea businesses, '吉品香' and '兆田,' along with another '天喜' tea business, covering most of the mixed tea in central Taiwan. Influencers like '四不四小姐' and '狗哥' are exposed to be cultivated by these businesses, playing a dual strategy. '狗哥,' who always wears a dog mask, rapidly gained popularity in the industry with live tea broadcasts, promoting only Vietnamese tea and educating consumers on its rightful price to avoid buying mixed tea. However, behind the scenes, the same business also sells mixed tea. In response to this chaotic market, consumers are advised to carefully check prices, inspection reports, and tea appearance after brewing to avoid falling victim. It is also crucial for relevant authorities to address the severity of the issue, strengthen awareness, and enforcement to protect consumers, legitimate tea businesses, and tea farmers' rights, amid the rampant issue of mixed teas undermining Taiwan's tea industry.
Source: YAHOO