We have signed an agreement with new-style tea brand HEYTEA to support their global expansion through the delivery of third-party testing of products and raw ingredients, store hygiene audits and regulatory compliance guidance.
We are pleased to announce the signing of a groundbreaking agreement with HEYTEA to support the development of a 'New-style Tea Health Labeling System' that ensures safety, quality and transparency in tea beverages. Signed at the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 6, 2024, it strengthens a long-term partnership between our two companies that began in 2019.
Under the terms of the agreement, we will continue to work together on quality assurance and food safety to elevate the industry benchmark for product excellence. Among the services we will provide to HEYTEA are third-party testing of products and raw ingredients, store hygiene audits and nutritional assessments. These cover a range of factors, including caloric content, caffeine levels, tea polyphenols, erythritol and total sugars.
This comprehensive testing suite enables HEYTEA to openly disclose its nutritional components to consumers via its 'electronic ingredient list'. Launched in 2023, this feature provides consumers with a clearer understanding of ingredients to enable better purchasing decisions.
Furthermore, we will assist HEYTEA in the development of a range of low glycemic index (GI) beverages. As part of this, we assessed their Jasmine Latte (Reduced Fat) and found it has a GI rating of 24, meeting the low GI food criteria as defined by WS/T 652-2019, the National Health Commission of China's standard for food GI grading.
The collaboration also aligns with HEYTEA's plans for global expansion, aimed at meeting rising consumer demand for health-conscious beverages. We will provide a range of services to support their plans, including hygiene audits and sampling in overseas stores, guidance on relevant standards and regulations, and regulatory compliance support. Our solutions are helping HEYTEA build consumer trust while ensuring compliance with local regulations in places such as the US, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the UK.
Charles Ly Wa Hoi, Executive Vice President, Connectivity & Products and Health & Nutrition, commented on the agreement, "This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone for both companies. The tea beverage industry shows enormous potential both in China and globally. By combining our global reach and expertise in testing and regulatory compliance with HEYTEA's innovation, we are able to bolster their international expansion plans as they drive the global tea beverage industry forward."
HEYTEA's Yang Chunbo, General Manager of Quality Management, added, "As the originator and pioneer in the new-style tea industry, we are committed to transparency and consumer health. Partnering with SGS, we aim to explore and promote the development of the 'new-style tea health labeling system', setting new standards for quality, safety and health both domestically and internationally."
This collaboration underscores our shared vision to shape the future of healthy tea beverages, promoting quality and safety as HEYTEA expands its global footprint.
About HEYTEA
Founded in 2012, HEYTEA is an originator in the new-style tea industry. With over 4,300 stores worldwide, HEYTEA is dedicated to innovating tea culture by infusing it with modern elements and creativity. Armed with the principal of using only real ingredients and no artificial flavors or colorants, HEYTEA created the first cheese tea by blending cheese foam with fresh tea. The brand offers a diverse range of products, from cheese-topped teas to fruit-infused beverages, catering to a global audience seeking quality and novelty.
For further information, please contact:
Jennifer Buckley
Senior Global Marketing Manager
SGS Health & Nutrition
t: +1 973 461 1498
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and sustainability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
