Creating a new category of tea.

Flash freezing fresh green tea results in 5X the antioxidants of dried green tea

The Opportunity

Green tea is known as a great source of antioxidants, powerful compounds that help to offset the damage of life, illness and aging. But the process of drying the tea leaves decreases the amount of antioxidants, and lowers the health benefits of drinking green tea. Millennia TEA saw the potential in fresh, raw green tea leaves, and turned them into frozen green tea cubes that could be thrown into smoothies or brewed as hot tea. 

The Challenge

Disrupting a beverage as widely consumed as tea is not easy. Millennia TEA was literally creating a brand new category: frozen tea cubes. They had their work cut out for them, working with suppliers, securing space in the freezer aisle and managing marketing and distribution. They needed capital and advice to forge this new path. 

NPC’s Solution

NPC provided Millennia TEA with $200,000 through its Investment Fund, helping the company launch into Canadian retail stores and build their brand, community and online sales. While early market penetration looked promising and the company garnered acknowledgement and awards for innovation, unfortunately Millennia TEA was not able to generate the sales or margins needed to sustain operations.

While this company is no longer active, NPC was proud to support its contribution to advancing innovation in Canada’s bioeconomy.