Setting Sail (Part2)

Special Topic on "China Tea(Fujian)'s 75th Anniversary Review & Outlook - Butterfly flapping wings spreading refined brews across the world"

 

Subject One: Setting Sail

Part 1: Origin - Fujian is a land steeped with the fragrance of tea  

Part 2: Birth - The Founding of the predecessor – Fuzhou Branch of China Tea  

Part 3: Source - The "Butterfly" came into being  

On February 20, 1950, Fuzhou Branch of China Tea, the predecessor of China Tea(Fujian), was established.

 

At the beginning of New China, when thousands of things awaited to be revitalized, tea gardens were crying out for resumption. The company sent growers to cultivate tea manufacture as well as refined processing to enhance both the quality and production. Simultaneously, it established factories in major tea producing areas to boost production and secure stable supply. They overcome the logistics challenges due to sea passage blockade, and fulfilled the foreign trade contracts. This company had dedicated in bolstering national economic construction during the early stage of New China.

 

The first tea contract after the founding of New China was signed in Beijing by Mr.Wu Juenong, founder and pioneer Manager of China Tea, and representatives from former Soviet Union. It was based on the bilateral trade agreement between the two governments in 1950. Under this contract, China was to supply 10,050 tons of tea, among which 670 tons of various grades of Fujian black tea and 120 tons of scented jasmine tea were assigned to be delivered by China Tea(Fujian). Later, countries like Czech, Poland, and Mongolia also purchased tea from China Tea after the intergovernmental economic and trade relations established.

 

In the early 1950s, Fujian was a underdeveloped region with limited transport coverage. The production condition in most tea producing areas was poor, thus from both economic and political perspective, restoring and developing tea production became one of the most important thing. At that time, Fujian tea was purchased and sold exclusively by China Tea(Fujian). Seven state-owned tea factories were established by region and tea variety to source and process tea for export, some overseas Chinese sales and domestic sales. In 1951, due to the maritime embargo, the company organized 6,000 laborers to carry tea on their shoulders from Fu'an, passing through Wenzhou to Shanghai Port, successfully fulfilling the contractual obligations to deliver the Congou black tea sold to FSU.

 

In May 1951, the then Manager Mr. Wu Juenong wrote in his article “The Future of New China’s Tea“: “The tea from New China will soon spread its fragrance everywhere; greens will across the globe, and become popular around the world, restoring the glory of Chinese tea.”

①1950-1955: Fuzhou Branch of China Tea

In 1949, China Tea, ranked among the 1st batch of national specialized company, was established.

 

On February 20, 1950, Fuzhou Branch of China Tea (the predecessor of Fujian Tea Import & Export Co., Ltd.) was founded in Fuzhou, Fujian.

Birthplace of the company: No.32, Jibi Alley, Fuzhou,China

②1956-1960: Fujian Branch of China National Tea Export Corporation

On January 1, 1956, China Tea was restructured, the company was renamed.

 

③1961-1971: Fujian Tea Branch of China National Tea & Native Produce Import & Export Corporation

On January 1, 1961, the company was renamed Fujian Tea Branch of China National Tea & Native Produce Import & Export Corporation.

 

④1972-1980: Fujian Branch of China National Native Produce & Animal By-Products Import & Export Corporation

In 1972, the company was renamed Fujian Branch of China National Native Produce & Animal By-Products Import & Export Corporation.

 

⑤1981-1987: Fujian Tea Import & Export Corporation

In 1981, according to relative authorities, tea business was separated from the parent company to establish Fujian Tea Import & Export Corporation.

Former office location: Foreign Trade Building on East Street, Fuzhou

 

Since 1980s, China Tea(Fujian) has been committed to setting up distribution network covering inside and outside the province. It opened a tea specialty counter at Dongjiekou, the busiest downtown centre of Fuzhou. It also had distributors on some main roads like Wusi Road, Taijiang. In 1988, its first self-operated tea store, Fuzhou Mingxiang Store, was opend to engage in retail and wholesale of various teas.

Fuzhou Mingxiang Store

 

⑥1988-1998: Fujian Tea Import & Export Corporation of China National Native Produce & Animal By-Products

In 1988 and in 1992, the company renamed twicely its company name. In 1992, it was Fujian Tea Import & Export Corporation of China National Native Produce & Animal By-Products.

Former office location: Fujian Foreign Trade Center Building

Fuzhou Tea Processing Factory affiliated to the company

⑦1999-Present

In 1999, approved by MOFTEC, the company underwent its foreign trade reform. It was changed into a limited liability company and renamed Fujian Tea Import & Export Co., Ltd.

Former office location: Floors 11-12, Hongli Building

 

On June 18, 2014, the company's headquarter was relocated to Fuxing Investment Zone, sharing office with Fuxing processing factory.

To date, as the "national team" and "main force" inheriting and promoting the profound Chinese tea culture, China Tea(Fujian) continues to uphold the business philosophy of "Good Tea in China Tea", inherits delicate craftsmanship and deliver exquisite products. Through tea as medium, the company is telling the beautiful stories of Chinese white tea and jasmine tea, and is contributing to establish China Tea’s head position in the sector of national consumption of tea.

Current address: 23, Fuxing Avenue, Fuxing Investment Zone

(To be continued…)

 

Special Topic on "China Tea(Fujian)'s 75th Anniversary Review & Outlook - Butterfly flapping wings spreading refined brews across the world"

Subject One: Setting Sail

Part 1: Origin - Fujian is a land steeped with the fragrance of tea 

Part 2: Birth - The Founding of the predecessor – Fuzhou Branch of China Tea

Part 3: Source - The "Butterfly" came into being 

Sources: China Tea(Fujian), June 10.2025