Sugimoto Tea Highlights 2024
2024 has been a year of growth, connection, and shared moments that we’ll cherish for years to come. From meaningful encounters in Japan to achieving a long-held dream here in the Pacific Northwest, each step of our journey was made more special by the people who supported us along the way. Here’s a look back at everything that made this year unforgettable.
Trade Shows and Tea Festivals
March - World Tea Expo
The year started strong with the World Tea Expo in March, a cherished opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones in the tea industry. This year, the Shizuoka government sponsored several tea makers, and it was heartwarming to see such a strong presence from our home region on the international stage.
April - Chicago and Cascadia Tea Festivals
In April, we went to the Chicago Tea Festival for the first time. The energy and enthusiasm we felt there reminded us how much we missed connecting with tea lovers in the Midwest. The same month, the Cascadia Tea Festival showed incredible growth, and we couldn’t be more proud to see the Pacific Northwest tea community thriving.
July - Tea Fest PDX
The summer brought us to Tea Fest PDX in July, always one of our favorite events. The road trip to Portland was full of laughs, and the festival’s welcoming atmosphere reminded us why we love sharing tea in person.
September - Northwest Tea Festival
Northwest Tea Festival holds a special place in our hearts as a local event. This year, it reached a record number of attendees, and the overwhelming support from our Seattle-area community left us feeling deeply grateful.
November - San Francisco Tea Festival
We made our debut as sponsors of the San Francisco Tea Festival this year and sold out of almost everything we brought. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to this incredible event.
Getting into Whole Foods
One of our most exciting achievements this year was getting our teas onto the shelves of Whole Foods in the Pacific Northwest! Seeing our products in stores for the first time felt like a dream come true—especially for Kyohei, who’s envisioned this since the company’s early days. Traveling to visit different stores and meeting Whole Foods customers made this milestone even more rewarding.
Japan Trip
Our trip to Japan this year was full of reconnections and celebrations. Spending time with our friends/dedicated partners such as the Iizuka family, Jun Watanabe (aka Jun Jun), and Rito-san was a reminder of how strong relationships can grow over time. We also attended a beautiful wedding of a former Sugimoto Tea employee where our matcha was featured in the dessert buffet—a touching nod to how tea can bring joy to life’s special moments.
Beyond the personal connections, we used the trip to capture stunning new photos to share the beauty of Japan’s tea culture with all of you. It was also a much-needed Sugimoto family reunion, strengthening the bonds that inspire everything we do as a family business.
Experimenting with Matcha Beer
This year, we explored something new and exciting—creating matcha beer for restaurants. It took a lot of trial and error to get the recipe just right, but the end result was a refreshing, one-of-a-kind drink that brought together the best of tea and beer. This project was a fun way to experiment with new ways to enjoy tea, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next.
Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics brought plenty of excitement to the office. We placed bets on medal counts, and when there were ties, we turned to an elaborate Marvel-inspired game of rock-paper-scissors to settle them. The rules may not have been entirely clear, but the laughter and camaraderie made it a highlight of the year.
Hiroyuki Kaicho and Kazue Sugimoto Visit the US
This year, Hiroyuki Kaicho and Kazue Sugimoto visited us in Seattle, bringing their wealth of experience and deep connection to tea. Kaicho led a fascinating tea tasting session, teaching us how to evaluate tea leaves with precision and care. We also enjoyed a lively company dinner filled with laughter and great conversations. The Sugimoto family even took the opportunity to fulfill a long-held dream of visiting the Grand Canyon, creating memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.
Tea Pairing Event
One of the most exciting new ventures this year was our first-ever Dessert & Tea Pairing Experience in collaboration with local partners Modern Bakery and Anyoung Super. We were thrilled by the enthusiastic response. Tickets sold out quickly, and the event was a wonderful opportunity to explore how thoughtfully selected pairings can elevate the flavors of both tea and desserts. Collaborating with local partners and sharing this unique experience with our guests made it a truly memorable highlight of the year.
Welcoming New Team Members
This year, we were fortunate to welcome several talented new members to the Sugimoto Tea family. Laku (Sales), Aki (Marketing), Ayako (Warehouse), and Karube (Warehouse) have already brought fresh ideas and energy to our team. We’re grateful to have them with us as we continue to grow.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, we’re excited for what’s ahead. Next year, we’ll be moving into a newer, larger office space—an important step to support our growing team and ambitions. We’re also working on a big project that we can’t wait to share with you. It’s still under wraps, but we’re confident it will be something truly special.
Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024. Whether we saw you at a tea festival, met you in a Whole Foods aisle, or connected online, your support means the world to us. We can’t wait to see what the new year brings and look forward to sharing it with you.