In 1996, founder Mr Chen discovered the potential for growing tea in New Zealand. Only 130 tea cuttings survived quarantine and were cultivated organically. After nearly 20 years, Zealong Tea Garden now has over one million tea plants, all 100% organically grown without chemical fertilisers, pesticides or additives, using hand weeding, helicopter frost protection, and non-GM soybean meal fertilisation.

Zealong is the only tea in the world to have gained five organic certifications (EU, USA, New Zealand, Canada, China) and is marketed as the purest tea, requiring no rinsing – drinkable from the first infusion. Its teas have won numerous international awards and are served at New Zealand state banquets. The tea garden has also developed into a tourist attraction offering tea-infused cuisine and afternoon tea.

General Manager Gigi emphasises that passion and persistence are the keys to success.

Zealong's success offers two practical business pathways for New Zealand SMEs. First, the cumulative effect of organic certifications: obtaining five international organic certifications is not just a mark of quality but a key to directly accessing premium markets. For products like tea, honey, and wine, investing in organic certification can significantly increase export premiums, especially in Chinese, US, and European markets where consumers are willing to pay more for multiple certifications.

SMEs are advised to prioritise New Zealand and EU certifications first, then gradually expand to other markets. Second, the closed-loop agritourism model: Zealong transforms its tea plantation into an experiential consumption setting, diversifying revenue streams through its restaurant and afternoon tea, reducing the volatility of relying solely on raw material sales. SMEs can replicate this by opening their production sites to visitors, adding value-added services such as tastings and dining, and leveraging social media to spread brand stories.

Note that upfront costs for organic farming are high (e.g., purchasing surrounding land to meet ecological standards within a radius of tens of kilometres); it is advisable to pilot on a small scale before expanding. Overall, the Zealong case shows that turning rigorous standards into a brand narrative can effectively enhance product recognition and added value in overseas markets.

Keywords: Zealong, organic tea, New Zealand, organic certification, Gigi, Mr Chen, state banquet tea, tea garden tourism, hand weeding, non-GM soybean meal

1996年，创始人陈先生在新西兰发现种茶可能，仅130株茶枝通过检疫存活并实现有机种植。历经近20年，Zealong茶庄现拥有逾百万株茶树，100%有机种植，不使用化肥、农药、化学添加剂，采用手工拔草、直升机防霜、非转基因大豆豆粕施肥等生态方式。Zealong是全球唯一获得欧盟、美国、新西兰、加拿大、中国五项有机认证的茶叶，被誉为最纯净的茶，无需洗茶，第一泡即可饮用。

其茶屡获国际大奖，成为新西兰国宴茶，茶庄同时发展为旅游景点，提供茶元素料理和下午茶。总经理Gigi姐强调，热爱和坚持是成功关键。

Zealong的成功为新西兰中小企业提供了两条可落地的商业路径。第一，有机认证的叠加效应：获得五大国际有机认证不仅是品质标志，更是直接打开高端市场的钥匙。对于茶、蜂蜜、酒类等产品，投资有机认证可以显著提升出口溢价，尤其在中美欧市场，消费者愿意为多重认证支付更高价格。

建议中小企业优先申请新西兰和欧盟认证，再逐步拓展其他市场。第二，农业旅游的闭环模式：Zealong将茶园转化为体验消费场景，通过餐厅、下午茶增加收入来源，降低单一原料销售的波动风险。中小企业可参考此模式，将生产基地开放参观，搭配品鉴、餐饮等增值服务，并利用社交媒体传播品牌故事。

注意，有机种植前期投入高（如收购周边土地满足方圆数十里生态标准），建议小规模试点后再扩张。整体上，Zealong案例说明，将严苛标准转化为品牌叙事，能有效提升产品在海外市场的认知度和附加值。

关键词: Zealong, 有机茶, 新西兰, 有机认证, Gigi姐, 陈先生, 国宴茶, 茶园旅游, 手工拔草, 非转基因豆粕

Photo by Te Pania ♡ on Unsplash

Source: Baidu