MILAN, Italy – At the farmer’s market, a fortuitous meeting between XueJian Oolong Tea and DiRaja Chocolate sparked a collaborative journey that would lead to exceptional achievements. LiHsin Chang, the producer of XueJian, shared the thrilling experience of participating in the AVPA‘s Teas of the World” international contest since 2018. Inspired by this success, DiRaja ventured into the chocolate realm, participating in the AVPA‘s “Chocolates processed at Orgin” international contest and securing the bronze medal in 2020.
The partnership between XueJian Oolong Tea and DiRaja Chocolate
A fusion of ideas: During their encounter, a unique idea was born – to combine the award-winning XueJian Oolong Tea with DiRaja’s luxurious cocoa for the upcoming contest. Although separated due to the challenges of the Covid pandemic, this period provided DiRaja with an opportunity to turn this concept into reality and embark on an exciting endeavor.
The Royalty of Chocolate and Tea: DiRaja, meaning “Royalty” in Malay, prides itself as a tree-to-bar chocolate producer situated in PingTung, Taiwan. They strive to create the best and most indulgent chocolates, catering to those who truly deserve the finest. On the other hand, XueJian, which translates to “Snow Scene” in Mandarin, takes its name from the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of Great Snow Mountain. Situated at an elevation of 1400 meters above sea level, it is the sole producer of high mountain oolong tea in the MiaoLi region of Taiwan.
Shared values and commitment: Both XueJian and DiRaja not only benefit from the natural environments of their respective regions but also share a commitment to natural farming. They refrain from using herbicides or chemical fertilizers throughout the farming and production processes, ensuring the utmost care in delivering safe and premium-quality products to consumers.
A golden achievement
The collaborative efforts yielded remarkable success when their black tea-flavored dark chocolate received the prestigious Gold Award. This achievement was both a pleasant surprise and a tremendous honor for both XueJian and DiRaja. They express gratitude to AVPA for providing the opportunity to explore new possibilities in the realm of agriculture.
The encounter between XueJian Oolong Tea and DiRaja Chocolate at the farmer’s market sparked a remarkable collaboration, resulting in outstanding achievements.
This fusion of flavors and commitment to excellence embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. With a shared dedication to quality and natural farming, XueJian and DiRaja continue to push boundaries and captivate the taste buds of discerning consumers. As they forge ahead, the future holds endless possibilities for these two exceptional producers.