Categories Defined

Ready-to-Drink (RTD)Category Definition

i) Defined as pre-bottled or packaged drinks that require no further brewing or preparation.

ii) Sweetened is defined by the addition of sugar, corn syrup, glucose, honey or any other natural or artificial sweetener. No flavoring is added.

iii) Flavored is defined by the addition of herbs, fruits, spices, natural or artificial flavorings that is added to and/or intended to alter or improve the flavor of the tea. Includes flavored teas that are also sweetened.

Foodservice Category Definition

i) Defined as iced tea commercially available and sold to foodservice establishments; packaged in 1.5 or 3 gallon portion packs or Bag-in-a-Box tea concentrates and brewed in commercial iced teas brewers.

1. Filter pouch or open-brew teas are acceptable.

2. Consumer retail tea bags, entries in tins or product packaged in any way that does not meet the above definition will be automatically disqualified.

ii) Flavored is defined by the addition of any herbs, fruits, spices, natural or artificial flavorings or anything that is added and/or intended to alter or improve the flavor of the tea. Includes flavored teas that are also sweetened.

1. No sweeteners or garnish will be added to the brewed product.