The UK Tea Academy (UKTA) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Tea & Coffee Trade Journal’s Women in Tea & Coffee Conference, bringing together tea education, industry recognition and a shared commitment to supporting women across the tea sector.

The partnership launches with the new Women in Tea Award, created especially for The Leafies International Tea Awards. The award will recognise women across the tea industry who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation or a commitment to empowering others.

The timing is particularly significant, with 2026 designated the International Year of the Woman Farmer, shining a spotlight on the vital contribution women make across global agricultural and food systems. For the tea industry, this provides an important opportunity to celebrate the women contributing at every stage of the tea journey – from growing and production through to sourcing, education, retail and hospitality.

Jennifer Wood, director, UK Tea Academy & The Leafies commented, “We are delighted to be working together to create the Women in Tea Award at The Leafies. Statistics show the significant contribution women make at every stage, from growing and producing tea to sourcing, innovation, education and leadership. Yet much of this work, particularly at production level, can go unrecognised. Our partnership with Women in Tea & Coffee feels like a natural fit, helping to celebrate women across the industry who make a real and positive difference to the lives and opportunities of other women in tea, wherever they are in the world.”

Through this new partnership, UKTA, The Leafies and the Women in Tea & Coffee Conference hope to shine a brighter light on the women helping to shape the future of the global tea industry – and encourage greater recognition, connection and opportunity across the sector.

The UK Tea Academy is a professional tea education organisation dedicated to developing tea knowledge and expertise. Its flexible online courses range from introductory tea education through to specialist subjects and professional qualifications, supporting everyone from tea enthusiasts to those building careers within the industry.

Find out more about UKTA’s courses and qualifications at ukteaacademy.co.uk.

The Leafies International Tea Awards, created by UKTA, celebrate excellence in tea from around the world. Alongside recognising outstanding teas, The Leafies celebrate the people and organisations making a positive contribution to the industry through innovation, sustainability, community and leadership.

The new Women in Tea Award is a natural extension of this mission, providing a dedicated platform to recognise women whose work is helping to shape the future of tea.

Find out more about The Leafies and enter or nominate someone deserving at theleafies.co.uk.

Learn more about the Women in Tea & Coffee Conference at women.teaandcoffee.events.