LONDON – David Veal, Executive Director of European Speciality Tea Association, and formerly head of Speciality Coffee Association of Europe has announced that he is leaving ESTA after leading the organisation since its inception six years ago. European Speciality Tea Association is an inclusive organisation whose mission is to create and inspire excellence in the speciality tea community through innovation, research, education and communication.
The announcement of David Veal
Since its inception ESTA has grown to a membership of 350 from over 55 countries from all parts of the tea value chain and has introduced a Tea Certification Education Programme, published several scientific papers on tea and health, published in partnership with Pioneer members Brita Water Filters a White Paper on the importance of water to the quality of tea.
It has nurtured the concept of the tea barista, worked with Queens University Belfast on a tea authenticity project, set up European tea competitions and is developing an evaluation and scoring system for speciality tea.
Said David “The past six years have been totally stimulating, exciting and fulfilling, I have been inspired by the diversity of the tea community and have had an amazing learning curve. I have also had the privilege of working with a great team of volunteers.
The time is now right for me to move on and give the opportunity to someone else to lead the association through the next stage of its development. Many people have asked if I am retiring, and the answer is No! I am hoping to continue – and am available for! – the project work I have been busy with in the speciality tea and coffee sectors”.
