Teavalize

Teavalize was built on the notion that drinking loose-leaf tea can be a snap if it’s packaged correctly. The company created its product as a two-part “system” consisting of prepackaged fine, loose tea leaves plus a portable, double-walled infuser equipped with stainless-steel filter.

It’s easy to appreciate its convenience. The single-serve packets are effortless to tote and brewing tea is as simple as emptying the packet into the insulated travel infuser, pouring hot water over the leaves then screwing on the lid.

Convenience doesn’t come at the expense of quality. The product was formulated after its founders visited tea plantations and learned about the attributes of different teas from local tea masters. The carefully selected, certified-organic leaves are harvested from far-reaching locales such as Fuji, Hangzhou and Japan.

It seems clear that the company has its finger on the pulse of the modern consumer. Quality product? Check. Convenience? Check. Trendiness? Yes, it has that too, courtesy of a Hollywood-centric marketing strategy. The company contributes Teavalize systems to “swag bags,” shows up at high-profile events like the MTV Movie Awards Style Lounge and offers celebs free products. Now instead of being photographed with logo-emblazed Starbucks cups, Hollywood types are landing on the gossip pages with Teavalizers in hand.

With quality, convenience and buzz, it’s no surprise the product is causing a stir or, as the company puts it, “a teavolution.”

Teavalize can be purchased online ($19.95 for 30 single-serve packets, $19.95 for the travel infuser) at teavalize.com. It is sold in cafés, specialty shops and markets as well as in select spas and salons in the U.S. and Canada.—Kara Mayer Robinson