Continuing the success of Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2015 in Thai Nguyen and Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2016, from 2nd–3rd December 2017, Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2017–2018 was hosted once again in Hanoi, crowning worthy winner representing Vietnam compete in the international round of Tea Masters Cup 2018.
This year, Vietnam Tea Association is honored again to be the Organizing Committee of Tea Masters Cup Vietnam. In this year competition, we are also honored to have high-reputation tea experts from both within our country and also international head judge in our Judges Committee.
Vietnamese Judges: Nguyen Thi Anh Hong (National Head Judge, Head of Organizing Committee), Nguyen Duy Thinh (Associate Prof., Dr of Biology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Engineering), Hoang Vinh Long (Deputy Secretary Vietnam Tea Association), Doan Hung Son (Initiative Prize Tea Masters Cup 2015), Nguyen Manh Hung (President of Hanoi Chief Club), Hoang Quang Thoa (President of Hanoi Bartender Association), Nguyen Ha Linh (CEO of Koh Yum Thai Group), Nguyen Thi Quy (Tea Pairing Champion Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2016), Nguyen Viet Hung (Tea Preparation Champion Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2016).
International Judges: Sharyn Johnston (CEO Australian Tea Association/International Head Judge, Australia), Louise Roberge (President of Tea and Herbal Association of Canada), Andei Ivanov (Tea Pairing Champion TMC International 2017, Latvia), Dimitriy Filimonov (Tea Preparation Champion TMC International 2017, Ukraine), Masami Iwasaki (Vice Chairman of Sasaki Green Tea Company, Japan), Nathan James Johnston (Director of Cartel Coffee Roasters Australia), Anil Cooke (CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities, Sri Lanka).
After two days full of amazing performances from tea masters, and thanks to serious and hard work of our judges committee, TMC VN 2017–2018 succeeded in crowning the worthy champion of each category as below: Nguyen Hoai Linh — champion of both Tea Preparation and Tea Pairing, Tong Thi Xuan — сhampion of Tea Tasting, Nguyen Thu Trang — Champion of Tea Mixology. These 3 champions would represent Vietnam competing in Tea Masters Cup International 2018.
There are two special things about this year result: Firstly, for the first time ever, we have a tea master winning in both categories Tea Preparation and Tea Pairing. Secondly, all of our champions are really young talented tea masters from the Y generation; in fact one of our champions this year is the youngest contestant of the whole competition. This has proved that there is a change in beverage consumption trend of Vietnam young generation in which pure tea has steadily gained its position among the youth and tea culture is also being promoted, spreading more influences in this generation.
This suits the overall objective, the original purpose of Tea Masters Cup — to promote tea drinking culture and nourish young talent in this industry.
In TMC VN 2017–2018, to promote further our competition, we have decided to host the 4th Category – Tea Mixology outdoor. Since the venue is in a walking street which is also a well-known tourist attraction not only for foreigners but also locals, we had attracted a large crowd of audience for this category. Our main sponsor — Vinatea also put some booths in the same place, brewing their products, invite people to taste their free sample, all of this had created a special tea space for people.
After Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2017–2018, The Organizing Committee also arranged a tea tour to one of our tea planting area — Moc Chau where all of the champions, our VIP guests, judges and our tea friends could enjoy the chilling picturesque scenery of mountainous area tea field, experience staying one night in the Stilt House, and have the special Oolong tea which is produced by one of the most famous tea masters in this area as well as share with each other their skill, their technique and passion for tea.
Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2017–2018 is organized by Vietnam Tea Association and sponsored by: VINATEA, JSC. Asia Tea Ltd., Co, Quang Minh BT Vietnam Ltd., Co, Tan Cuong Hoang Binh JSC, Ecolink Vietnam Ltd., Co, Philong Tea Company, Viet Taste Business JSC.
We would like to express our deepest thanks to our sponsor and the Culture Information of Hoan Kiem Lake and other local authorities to help us host a successful Tea Masters Cup Vietnam 2017–2018.
Photo: VITAS, Dimitriy Filimonov.