ETP has today forged a new partnership with the UK Tea Academy and The Leafies to launch an award to recognise and celebrate responsible tea sourcing practices and initiatives.
The ETP Responsible Sourcing Award was created to highlight the work of smaller tea businesses taking meaningful steps to improve outcomes in their supply chains, while encouraging wider engagement with responsible sourcing across the sector.
The award seeks to recognise small business’ responsible sourcing initiatives, programmes, partnerships and practices that have demonstrated a genuine commitment to addressing key human rights and environmental issues. Entries may cover areas such as supplier engagement, worker and farmer wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and broader responsible sourcing efforts.
The category has been developed specifically for smaller businesses that may not yet have dedicated sustainability teams or significant buying power but who are still evidently committed to playing their part.
Commenting on the partnership, ETP CEO Martin Short said: “At ETP, we believe every tea business, regardless of size, can play a meaningful role in building a thriving, socially just, and environmentally sustainable tea sector. We hope this new award will recognise those already making a difference while inspiring more businesses to take positive steps towards responsible sourcing and creating long-lasting impact across the tea supply chain.”
Jennifer Wood, Founder and Director of the UK Tea Academy and The Leafies, said: “I have known and admired ETP for many years, and I am incredibly proud that The Leafies is partnering with them to present the Responsible Sourcing Award for 2026. This award shines a spotlight on ETP’s work, while giving tea businesses of every size the opportunity to showcase the steps they are taking towards more responsible sourcing. By recognising these efforts together, we hope to inspire greater transparency, collaboration and continuous improvement across our industry. ETP’s involvement brings trusted expertise to the award, reinforcing our shared commitment to celebrating excellence that extends beyond the cup.”
The prize
Alongside a certificate of recognition, the winner will receive one year of ETP membership in the Friends of ETP category. Friends of ETP membership will give the winning business access to expert guidance, practical resources, exclusive research, webinars and events, and a network of businesses committed to improving conditions across the tea sector – valuable support to help smaller companies strengthen their responsible sourcing practices, stay informed on key industry issues, and connect with peers tackling tea’s systemic challenges.
Who can enter
The award is open to small brands, packers and retailers who:
- Source fewer than 175,000 kg of camellia sinensis annually
- Sell tea direct to consumers
- Are not currently ETP members but would be keen to join
- Are current ETP members who could win an upgraded membership
If you run a tea brand making a difference or know one that is, visit the Leafies site to find out more and submit your entry. Please note: Producers, estates and cooperatives are not eligible for this award. This is because the prize of a Friends of ETP membership is only available to brands, retailers and packers.
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