Ahmad Tea, the English tea brand that operates in more than 90 countries, delivered the ultimate pre-season preparation alongside Manchester City and Ghana striker Antoine Semenyo with a tea tasting masterclass. The exclusive event celebrated the routines, detail and mindset that underpin elite performance.

Ahmad Tea announced Antoine Semenyo as its new global brand ambassador in June, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Held in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, the event formed part of Ahmad Tea’s ‘Preparation is Everything’ campaign, highlighting the importance of preparation, consistency and craftsmanship — values shared by both high-performance athletes and Ahmad Tea’s Tea Masters.

During the event, Semenyo, who was raised in England, shared insights into his pre-season training, mental preparation and ambitions for the upcoming season, offering guests a unique perspective on the discipline required to perform at the highest level.

Guests were invited to experience a selection of Ahmad Tea’s black and herbal tea blends through a guided tea tasting masterclass led by senior tea taster, Dominic Marriott. The session explored the heritage and quality that have defined Ahmad Tea for decades, showcasing how expert tea tasting and blending ensure exceptional flavour and quality in every cup.

“Preparation is one of the most important parts of my career. What people see on matchday is only a small part of the work — it all comes from the routines, discipline and mindset developed long before kick-off,” shared Antoine Semenyo. “I am working hard during pre-season on those processes to develop and improve everyday habits to be ready for a big season ahead.”

Ahmad Tea’s ‘Preparation is Everything’ campaign celebrates the rituals that help people perform at their best, whether in elite sport or everyday life. Drawing a parallel between the meticulous preparation behind world-class athletic performance and the expertise behind every cup of Ahmad Tea, the campaign shines a spotlight on the discipline, patience and attention to detail that define success. From carefully sourcing leaves from the finest gardens to expertly blending every tea, Ahmad Tea believes that exceptional results begin long before the final performance — a philosophy shared by athletes preparing for competition and tea masters’ artistry behind every blend.

Commenting on the event, Tracey Wakelin, head of global marketing at Ahmad Tea, said, “It was a privilege to welcome Antoine to Hong Kong and bring together media and partners to celebrate the values at the heart of our ‘Preparation is Everything’ campaign. Whether preparing for a season at the highest level of football or delivering the perfect cup of tea, it’s often the work that goes unseen that makes the greatest difference. From carefully selecting and balancing teas from different origins to ensuring every blend is crafted with precision and brewed with care.”