China Anji White Tea Network Information: West Lake Longjing tea is a resounding golden brand name in Hangzhou. But how can buyers be sure whether the West Lake Longjing tea they buy is genuine or fake? In recent years, tea connoisseurs have been increasingly troubled by their inability to determine its authenticity. However, this situation may soon change. Yesterday, the Longjing Tea Industry Association of Xihu District revealed that starting from this year, West Lake Longjing tea will have its own unified packaging.
"Small-scale pilot projects will begin this year, gradually expanding next year, with the aim of full implementation by the following year," said Shang Jian'ou, president of the Longjing Tea Industry Association of Xihu District. What if the new "uniform" is used for counterfeit products? The quantity distributed will be estimated based on planting area.
Currently, West Lake Longjing tea only has one set of "uniform": a unified 250-gram specification, with an ancient and elegant design, including two white tea cans, one box, and one carrying bag.
"Because it's a small-scale pilot project, we've only launched this specification for now. Next year, we'll introduce seven or eight series packages, such as different specifications ranging from 1 liang (approximately 50 grams) to 1 jin (approximately 500 grams)," explained Shang Jian'ou. Considering that many companies and cooperatives still have a lot of inventory packaging, a gradual approach is more humane.
The reasons for the unified packaging are summarized by Shang Jian'ou using three fingers: ensuring traceability, ensuring authenticity, and controlling total quantity. The first two goals have already been specified: "Each box will be packaged after inspection, then affixed with anti-counterfeiting labels, and the unique serial number will be entered into the anti-counterfeiting system by the staff."
One question everyone might be curious about is: what if the new uniform is used for counterfeit products? "Total quantity control" is the answer. In the future, the quantity will be estimated based on the planting area of each village. If a household is supposed to sell 2,000 pounds of Longjing tea annually but sells 3,000 pounds, then this figure is suspicious. Moreover, they cannot apply for such a large number of packaging boxes from the association.
Industry insiders believe that standardizing packaging for the same brand of Anji White Tea has significant meaning. Such "rebranding" can clearly distinguish it from the packaging of Anji White Tea produced in other domestic regions, enhancing the overall image of the brand. The unified packaging features the brand name as a watermark all over the box, with a uniformly designed trademark pattern on the front, making it easier for consumers to identify the authenticity of the branded Anji White Tea: "For example, Yuhang Jingshan tea is a typical case of unified packaging."
The production areas involved include Xihu, Zhutang, Shuangpu, and Liuxia. The purpose is to polish the golden brand name of West Lake Longjing tea. How can this golden brand name be polished?
In fact, various methods have been tried in recent years: geographical indication protection, origin anti-counterfeiting mark management, and opening specialty stores, all of which have played a certain positive role.
Regarding the positive effects of this unified packaging, Shang Jian'ou confidently stated: "We have formulated a declaration and usage management method for packaging, promoting its use throughout the West Lake Longjing tea production area, which will undoubtedly effectively and durably protect the brand of West Lake Longjing." In June 2011, West Lake Longjing tea obtained the geographical indication certification trademark granted by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. This means that in the future, market circulation will not allow the existence of exclusive "West Lake Longjing" packaging, and unauthorized use will be legally investigated.
So, which places qualify to wear the "uniform"? This has also been clarified: the production area of products using "West Lake Longjing" packaging includes the first-level protected area (West Lake Scenic Area) and the second-level protected area (Xihu District) of Longjing tea. Specifically, it covers a 168-square-kilometer area west of West Lake in Hangzhou City, starting from Hupao and Maojiabu in the east, Yangfumiao, Longmenkeng, and Hejiacun in the west, Shejing and Fushan in the south, and Laodongyue and Jinuyujing in the north, involving four towns (streets): Xihu, Zhutang, Shuangpu, and Liuxia.
The product flow will be fully monitored. Opinions are being sought from readers regarding the unified packaging.
Previously, a sheet of kraft paper on the outside and a sheet of rice paper inside was the "clothing" created by Yang Along, the tea king of Manjuelong, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
However, in the future, such DIY "West Lake Longjing" will become less common because the logo and packaging, from design to production and distribution, will be uniformly managed by the Longjing Tea Industry Association of Xihu District in Hangzhou. The packaging is divided into two categories: Spring tea packaging and Summer-Autumn tea packaging, both of which will uniformly use geographical indication certification trademarks, enterprise (cooperative) trademarks, geographical indication and quality grade labels, and origin anti-counterfeiting marks. The product flow of units using "West Lake Longjing" logos and packaging will be tracked throughout to ensure that the packaging is not out of control, misused, or lost, and must not be transferred, sold, or given away.
If leading enterprises want to perform premium packaging, is it allowed? Yes, but first, an application must be made. After obtaining permission, they can print under the supervision of the association and sign a tripartite contract with the packaging company to determine the quantity. All packaging must be numbered and the style and quantity published online.
However, many villagers disagree with this standardized approach, believing that unified packaging involves forced sales of "cardboard boxes," and traditional handmade paper packaging will gradually disappear...
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White tea, also known as Anji White Tea, is one of China's six major types of tea. Anji White Tea has tender leaves that are pure white, with only the main vein showing a faint green color, making it a rare variant tea species. It belongs to the "low-temperature sensitive type" of tea. The China Anji White Tea Network introduces the origin of white tea, the history of Anji White Tea, Anji White Tea prices, and displays Anji White Tea enterprises. To find white tea, visit the China Anji White Tea Network!