OREANDA-NEWS. In early 2010, Tata Global Beverages (TGB) committed to pursuing the Rainforest Alliance certification for all Tetley-branded products. It was a bold step, as the company attempted to become a truly sustainable business.

TGB has made a steady progress against that commitment since then, and this year, the company has been honoured with the prestigious 2013 Sustainable Standard-Setter Award, presented by the Rainforest Alliance at the annual gala and dinner held on May 15, 2013.

The awards recognise businesses and individuals for their outstanding commitment to sustainability, and their continued partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to drive sustainability in their respective industries.

The 2013 Sustainable Standard-Setter Award presented to TGB by the Rainforest Alliance recognises TGB's ongoing dedication, innovation and leadership in environmental conservation. TGB is committed to sourcing 100 percent of Tetley-branded black, green and red teas from Rainforest Alliance certified farms by 2016. The company has made significant progress towards this sustainability goal, as Tetley now sources 44 million pounds (20 million kilogram) of tea from Rainforest Alliance certified farms each year – a considerable 50 percent of the total tea purchased by the brand.

Katy Tubb, director of tea buying and blending, TGB, said about the win: “We want to help create a sustainable global tea industry, and we believe that working closely with organisations such as the Rainforest Alliance is one effective way of achieving this.”

The win also made special mention of TGB's innovative social media effort to connect tea growers with tea drinkers. In 2011, Tetley launched Tetley’s Farmers’ First Hand on Facebook, a page where tea lovers can directly connect with the farmers who grow, harvest and produce their tea.

Other organisations recognised by the Rainforest Alliance for their leadership in sustainability include Nescafe and Olam International.