China Anji Bai Cha Network News: West Lake Longjing is a resounding golden brand name in Hangzhou. But when purchasing West Lake Longjing tea, how does one determine if it's genuine or fake? In recent years, tea enthusiasts have been struggling to distinguish the truth. However, this situation may soon change. Yesterday, the Longjing Tea Industry Association of Xihu District revealed that starting this year, West Lake Longjing tea will have its own unified packaging.
"Starting this year, there will be a small-scale pilot program, gradually expanding next year, with the aim of full implementation by the year after," said Shang Jian Nong, president of the Longjing Tea Industry Association of Xihu District. Considering that many companies and cooperatives still have a significant amount of inventory packaging, adopting a gradual approach seems more humane.
The new "uniform" for West Lake Longjing tea currently consists of only one set: a unified 250-gram specification, with an ancient and elegant appearance, including two Anji Bai Cha price jars, a box, and a carrying bag.
"Because it is a small-scale pilot program, only this specification of packaging has been launched for now. Next year, we will introduce seven or eight series of packaging in different specifications, such as from 1 liang (approximately 31 grams) to 1 jin (approximately 500 grams)," said Shang Jian Nong. The reason for unifying the packaging can be summarized in three points: ensuring traceability, ensuring authenticity, and controlling the total quantity.
A specific method has been outlined: "Each box of white tea will be inspected and packaged, followed by the attachment of an anti-counterfeiting label, and the unique serial number will be entered into the anti-counterfeiting system by the staff."
One question everyone might be curious about: what if the new bottles are filled with fake wine? "Total quantity control" is the answer to this problem. In the future, the total quantity of West Lake Longjing tea planted in each village will be calculated. If a farmer is supposed to sell 2000 pounds of Longjing annually but sells 3000 pounds, this number becomes suspicious. Moreover, he cannot apply for that many packages from the association.
Industry insiders believe that uniform packaging for branded white teas holds significant importance. Such "renovation" can clearly differentiate from the packaging of white teas produced in other domestic regions, enhancing the overall brand image. The unified packaging features the brand name printed all over the box, with a uniformly designed trademark on the front, making it easier for consumers to identify the authenticity of the branded white tea. "For example, Yuhang Jingshan tea is a typical case of unified packaging."
The production areas include Xihu, Zhuan塘, Shuangpu, and Liusha. The purpose is to polish the golden brand name.
How to polish the golden brand name of West Lake Longjing? Over the years, various methods have been tried: geographical indication protection, origin anti-counterfeiting mark management, and opening specialty stores, all of which have played a certain positive role.
Shang Jian Nong confidently stated about the positive effects of unified packaging: "We have formulated application and usage management methods for packaging, promoting their use throughout the West Lake Longjing tea production area, which will effectively and sustainably protect the West Lake Longjing brand." In June 2011, West Lake Longjing tea received the geographical indication certification trademark granted by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. This means that in the market circulation domain, only "West Lake Longjing" exclusive packaging will be allowed. Unauthorized use without the association's permission will be legally investigated.
As for which places qualify to wear the "uniform," this has already been clarified: the production area for products using "West Lake Longjing" packaging includes the first-level protected area (West Lake Scenic Area) and the second-level protected area (Xihu District). Specifically, it covers a 168-square-kilometer region west of West Lake in Hangzhou City, east starting from Hupao and Maojia Bu, west reaching Yangfu Temple, Longmen Kan, and Hejia Village, south starting from Shejing and Fushan, and north reaching Lao Dongyue and Jinyu Well, involving four towns (streets): Xihu, Zhuan塘, Shuangpu, and Liusha.
The flow of products will be fully monitored. Opinions are being sought from readers regarding whether unified packaging is beneficial.
Currently, the "clothing" for West Lake Longjing tea made by Yang A Long, the tea king of Manjue Long, consists of an outer layer of kraft paper and an inner layer of rice paper, a traditional skill passed down through generations.
However, in the future, such DIY "West Lake Longjing" will decrease because the logo and packaging design, production, and distribution will be uniformly managed by the Longjing Tea Industry Association of Xihu District. The packaging is divided into two categories: spring tea packaging and summer-autumn tea packaging. Both will uniformly use the geographical indication certification trademark, enterprise (cooperative) trademark, geographical indication, and quality grade labels, along with the origin anti-counterfeiting mark. The product flow of units using the "West Lake Longjing" logo and packaging will be fully tracked to ensure that the packaging is not lost control, misused, or lost, and it cannot be transferred, sold, or gifted.
If leading enterprises wish to conduct premium packaging, is it permissible? Yes, but they must apply first. After obtaining permission, under the supervision of the association, they can print their own packaging and sign a tripartite contract with the packaging company to determine the quantity. All packaging must be numbered and published online with details of the packaging style and quantity.
However, many villagers disagree with this standardized approach, believing that unified packaging involves forced selling of "cardboard boxes," and traditional handmade paper packaging will gradually disappear...
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