1. Tenfu Tea (天福茗茶)
Tenfu Tea is one of the most widely recognized Chinese tea brands, not only in China but across international markets. Founded in Fujian, the heartland of Chinese tea culture, Tenfu has grown into a global enterprise with retail chains in mainland China, Taiwan, the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia. The brand is celebrated for its diverse range of fresh teas, including Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess Oolong), green tea, white tea, and Pu-erh.
Tenfu’s dedication to maintaining quality and traditional processing techniques, while also embracing modern packaging and retail experiences, has made it a household name. It combines tea production, cultural promotion, and hospitality through its tea museums and education centers, thus strengthening its global reputation.
2. China Tea Co., Ltd (中国茶叶有限公司)
Established in 1949, China Tea Co., Ltd, also known as Zhongcha, is a state-owned enterprise and a leading name in both domestic and international tea markets. It is a subsidiary of COFCO Group and serves as a flagship exporter of Chinese tea.
Zhongcha specializes in various fresh tea categories, such as green teas like Longjing (Dragon Well), yellow teas from Hunan, and high-quality jasmine teas. With strong government support and a solid supply chain, China Tea has managed to distribute products in over 50 countries and regions. It often appears at international food exhibitions and tea expos, promoting Chinese fresh teas to a global audience.
3. Fujian Tea Import & Export Co., Ltd (福建茶叶进出口有限公司)
Fujian Tea Import & Export Co., Ltd is one of the earliest tea trading companies in China, with a legacy dating back to 1950. This brand is known for its robust export network and specializes in fresh oolong and green teas from Fujian Province.
With strict quality control systems and partnerships with leading tea gardens, the company has earned several certifications, including ISO and organic certifications, allowing its teas to penetrate premium markets in Japan, Europe, and North America. Its strong focus on product traceability and sustainable sourcing has made it a trusted name internationally.
4. Xiangyi Tea (湘益茶业)
Hailing from Hunan Province, Xiangyi Tea is a leading brand in the niche of Chinese dark teas, particularly the famous Anhua dark tea. Despite specializing in post-fermented teas, Xiangyi also offers fresh variants of green and yellow tea with authentic flavor profiles.
Its growth into foreign markets has been fueled by the rising popularity of dark tea for its probiotic benefits and its unique aging process. Xiangyi Tea participates in global trade shows and has partnered with cultural exchange programs to educate consumers about the diversity of Chinese teas.
5. Menghai Dayi Tea (勐海大益茶厂)
Though primarily known for Pu-erh tea, Menghai Dayi Tea Factory (a subsidiary of the Yunnan Tea Group) has made a mark globally due to its iconic branding, strong cultural legacy, and expert fermentation processes. The company also produces fresh green and black teas from Yunnan’s high-altitude tea gardens.
Dayi is considered a gold standard in Pu-erh circles and has built a cult following in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and among Western tea connoisseurs. Its branded tea cakes and premium gift sets have made it one of the most collectible names in Chinese tea.
6. Wuyutai Tea (吴裕泰茶业)
Founded in 1887, Wuyutai Tea is a Beijing-based brand famed for its jasmine-scented green teas. With a history spanning more than 130 years, Wuyutai combines classic recipes with modern innovation to keep its tea fresh and appealing to contemporary tastes.
Wuyutai has established branches in Japan, Singapore, and the US, showcasing not just tea but also ice cream, mooncakes, and cosmetics infused with tea extracts. Its retail outlets often feature tea bars where customers can sample fresh brews, creating immersive cultural experiences that promote Chinese tea abroad.
7. Zhang Yiyuan (张一元)
Another historical name in Beijing’s tea scene, Zhang Yiyuan was founded in 1900 and is celebrated for its premium jasmine tea made from high-grade green tea leaves blended with fresh jasmine blossoms. The brand’s devotion to preserving authentic handcrafting methods has earned it heritage status and widespread admiration.
Zhang Yiyuan has actively participated in cultural diplomacy, with its teas being featured in diplomatic gifts and state banquets. It exports to Europe, the Middle East, and North America, attracting tea lovers who value heritage and authenticity.
8. Hunan Tea Group (湖南茶业集团)
This government-supported conglomerate in Hunan focuses on producing and exporting a variety of teas, particularly Maojian green tea, black tea, and Anhua dark tea. The group integrates tea planting, processing, marketing, and cultural education.
Its strategic collaborations with international food distributors have enabled it to become one of China’s major tea exporters. The company’s emphasis on ecological agriculture and certifications such as USDA Organic and EU Organic has helped it access high-end markets.
9. Longrun Tea Group (龙润茶业)
Longrun Tea Group is one of the largest tea enterprises in Yunnan, known for fresh Yunnan green tea and black tea alongside its top-tier Pu-erh offerings. The brand has made substantial investments in international branding, R&D, and e-commerce.
It is one of the few Chinese tea companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and its products are available on Amazon, Tmall, and global luxury stores. Its modern packaging, international certifications, and wellness-focused marketing have helped the brand resonate with health-conscious consumers.
10. Liu An Gua Pian Tea Co. (六安瓜片集团)
Known for producing Liu An Gua Pian, a distinctive and rare green tea from Anhui Province, this brand is revered for its commitment to preserving this unique tea’s traditional production techniques. Its fresh tea, made without stems or buds, is sought after by collectors and tea experts.
While not as widespread as other brands, Liu An Gua Pian Tea Co. has secured a niche international following and frequently participates in UNESCO heritage programs, cultural exhibitions, and gourmet events in Europe and Japan.
11. Hangzhou Longjing Tea Co. (杭州龙井茶股份有限公司)
Hangzhou Longjing Tea Company, based near the West Lake in Hangzhou, specializes in producing authentic West Lake Dragon Well (Longjing) tea — China’s most famous green tea. Their meticulous plucking and pan-firing techniques preserve the leaf’s fresh, nutty taste and silky mouthfeel.
The company has been a favorite among tea purists in Asia and is a regular feature in international tea competitions. It also exports to Western specialty tea shops that value origin-specific fresh teas.
12. Yunnan Dianhong Group (云南滇红集团)
Known for its high-altitude black teas, the Yunnan Dianhong Group is also a producer of fresh green and white teas from the misty mountains of southern China. Dianhong’s teas are known for their golden buds, sweet aroma, and malty depth.
International customers, particularly in Europe and Russia, have developed a taste for Dianhong’s distinctive profile. The group continues to expand into organic and artisanal tea production, bridging traditional expertise with global trends.
13. Huangshan Maofeng Tea Co. (黄山毛峰茶业公司)
This company focuses on one of China’s “Ten Famous Teas” — Huangshan Maofeng, a spring-harvested green tea grown in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) region. Known for its floral aroma and delicate taste, this tea is a favorite among elite tea circles.
The company exports to high-end stores and boutiques in France, Germany, and Korea. Its reputation is built on strict quality control, hand-picking standards, and certifications from China’s top tea associations.
14. Guzhu Zisun Tea Co. (顾渚紫笋茶业公司)
Guzhu Zisun, one of the oldest recorded teas in Chinese history, is cultivated in Zhejiang and was once a royal tribute tea. The Guzhu Zisun Tea Company has revitalized this legacy, producing limited quantities of fresh spring green tea that is both aromatic and high in catechins.
As a luxury tea, it is exported to gourmet stores and elite tea collectors. The company often collaborates with cultural institutions to educate foreign audiences about ancient Chinese tea customs.
15. Baishaxi Tea Industry (白沙溪茶厂)
Based in Hunan, Baishaxi is a pioneer in producing Anhua dark tea but has also gained recognition for its fresh green and jasmine teas. Its international expansion includes product lines tailored for different markets — from everyday drinkers to ceremonial-grade offerings.
Baishaxi actively promotes Chinese tea culture through global exhibitions and has secured partnerships with museums and universities to promote research on Chinese tea fermentation and nutrition.
