Evaluation Panel

NATC is an independent event, judged by professional cuppers, that evaluates premium teas from around the world that are sold in North America. The evaluation panel, non-entrants, are professional cuppers and include representatives from the following companies:

• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
• Eastrise Trading Corp.
• G.S. Haly Company
• Jane Pettigrew
• Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
• Peet’s Coffee & Tea
• SupermarketGuru
• Walker Tea 

The annual Championship is made up of three classes: Hot Tea, Iced Tea and Packaged Single-Serve Tea. Each class consists of its own categories and judging panel. The Hot Tea Class is evaluated twice a year: February for fall teas and July for spring teas. The Iced Tea Class is evaluated once a year. The Packaged Single-Service Tea class is evaluated once a year in November. Winners of the Tea Championship are announced after each respective evaluation.