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World Tea Expo moves to new venue in Las Vegas, May 30 – June 1, 2008.

Las Vegas, NV—The tea industry is stronger than ever and long-term growth is projected as a virtual sure thing. Take a quick look at the dramatic rise in tea’s popularity in the U.S. over the past two decades and it’s abundantly clear, from under $1 billion dollars prior to 1990, sales are expected to reach nearly $7 billion by the end of 2007. According to market analysts with the leading market research report, The Specialty Tea is “Hot” Report®, growth of total retail sales of tea in the U.S. will accelerate and exceed $10 billion by the end of 2010. Add in thousands of non-beverage, tea-based products enhanced with tea extracts, essences and flavors such as cosmetics, dietary supplements and functional foods, and the total dollar volumes are much higher.

It’s no wonder, then, that the largest and most important tea event in North America is growing, too. When the 2008 World Tea Expo opens in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 30 - June 1, 350 exhibitors will host an anticipated 33 percent more attendees than previous shows. With a larger exhibit floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, buyers can expect to see a wider selection of tea and tea- related products in a broad range of categories, including: tea wholesalers and packers; bulk, bagged and ready-to-drink teas; tea bagging equipment and packaging suppliers; gourmet foods, giftware, tea jewelry, chocolate and other confectionary items.

As the category continues to explode, so does World Tea Expo. In 2008, the event will introduce a variety of new features designed to give participants an enhanced show experience that reflects their varying needs and interests.

Attendees will be able to take advantage of a core educational conference that is leaner and more robust, with targeted sessions to appeal to every kind of tea professional, from tearoom owners to scientists and R&D specialists. In addition, a “New Business Boot Camp” will be held two days prior to the show, for new business owners and those entering the tea market for the first time. The New Business Boot Camp will be an intensive 16-hours of education by expert instructors to catapult new and young tea rooms to high levels of success almost immediately.

A first-rate Cupping Pavilion will be constructed on the show floor to allow buyers the professional resources to cup and compare samples from exhibitors on the spot and place orders at the show. And finding exceptional teas will be aided by the presentation of the first-ever World Tea Championship, a hot-tea competition featuring submissions by exhibitors from around the world and judged by a panel of professional tea cuppers and experts.

Show producers anticipate a very successful event in 2008. “We know why buyers come to this marketplace,” said George Jage, president and co-founder of the World Tea Expo. “They want to see and buy new products. They want to stay competitive. They need to make connections and find resources. With expanded show offerings and the new features we’ve added, we’re providing them with exactly what they want.”

More information about the World Tea Expo, including a full listing of events, seminars and new features, as well as a floor plan and interactive directory of exhibitors, is available online at http://www.worldteaexpo.com.