Oprah Winfrey has expanded her vast empire to include tea, thanks to a new partnership with Starbucks.
During the coffee retailer’s annual shareholder’s meeting, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz joined the media mogul on stage to announce the creation of Oprah’s own tea line, Teavana Oprah Chai, to be sold in Starbucks and Teavana stores across the U.S. and Canada beginning April 29.
Starbucks will make a donation for each product sold to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation to benefit educational opportunities for youth.
“I looove tea,” said Winfrey. “My daily tea ritual is a vital part of my morning. Savory and spicy chai, with its deep flavor, has long been a favorite of mine. When Howard Schultz offered to have me come into the Starbucks tasting room and create my very own tea blend, I thought that sounded like such a unique opportunity and fun to the tenth power. To share one of my favorite things with the rest of the world and support youth education at the same time is truly the perfect blend.”
Oprah personally developed the tea with Teavana’s leading “teaologist” Naoko Tsunoda. It features an infusion of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves, blended with loose-leaf black tea and rooibos, and will be made available in handcrafted latte and loose-leaf tea formats.
Schultz stated: “With the introduction of Teavana Oprah Chai, we are going to elevate the tea experience in the same way we did for coffee. Partnering with Oprah Winfrey in the creation of this distinctive and remarkable tea is a strong next step forward in accomplishing this objective, while also giving back in a meaningful way through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation. I am personally humbled to work with such an inspirational leader and visionary who shares so many of our core values and beliefs. I truly believe that, together, we will set the bar for a world-class tea experience at Starbucks and Teavana.”
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