My tea-loving heart is so delighted to have tried some of Duchess Fine Teas at their recently concluded event at the World Food Expo held at World Trade Center last March 27.
At the event hall, stood the most attractive and unique booth, it’s charm, boasts a regently crafted space inspired from the Bridgerton Netflix series, have drawn people to see what was it all about- and they came to taste some of the world’s curated fine teas.
It was a sensorial experience, every sip and aromatics infusing in every flow from every teapot brings you to a world where not many knew of, a culture, us Filipinos need to be educated about.
This tea culture as Dee Ledonio is so passionately putting forward was actually led by serendipity.
I’ve known Dee for a long time already and I know her as an entrepreneur who embraces the challenges and rewards that come with building something from the ground up. She is one who I really look up to when it comes to business and one who has inspired many with her skills in strategy, innovation and leadership.
Imagine, it only took her only a few months to establish Duchess Fine Teas and has now captured the tea aficionado market.
How Duchess Fine Teas Came to Be
Dee fell in love with the culture of tea through her travels across Europe, particularly the UK.
She wandered through charming tea cafés, marveled at exquisite blends, and experienced firsthand the ritualistic elegance of tea drinking. From the rich, malty flavors of Assam to the delicate floral notes of Darjeeling, she discovered that tea was more than just a beverage-it was an experience, a lifestyle, and a bridge to different cultures.
Then came Christmas of 2024, when she received a beautifully curated gift set of fine loose-leaf teas from India. The moment she opened it, she was captivated-the aroma, the packaging, the artistry of the blends. It was a sensory delight, yet it also sparked a lingering question:
"Why is it that in the Philippines, our tea selection is so limited?"
That question ignited an idea.
What if Filipinos had access to the same world-class teas she had discovered abroad? What if loose-leaf teas, elegantly packaged in tin canisters and pyramid tea bags, could be introduced to a market that had long been dominated by instant tea and sugary blends? With the help of a trusted friend and co-founder, Dee began sourcing premium, branded teas from India-the birthplace of some of the world's most celebrated teas.
One country led to another, and soon, Duchess Fine Teas was bringing in carefully curated selections from Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. Each tea told a story, each blend carried the heritage of its origins, and Dee knew it was time to introduce Filipinos to the true art of tea drinking.
With a growing health-conscious community in the Philippines, the timing was perfect. More and more Filipinos were seeking natural, wellness-driven alternatives to coffee and sugary drinks.
Tea, with its centuries-old reputation for healing, relaxation, and sophistication, was ready to take its rightful place in the local market.
Thus, Duchess Fine Teas was born—not just as a brand, but as a movement to redefine tea culture in the Philippines. From a single Christmas gift to a full-fledged business, Dee's journey is a testament to how inspiration can come from the simplest moments—and how passion, vision, and the right opportunity can turn an idea into something truly extraordinary.
Their Vision:
To be the premier tea brand that redefines tea culture by offering an exceptional selection of globally sourced, high-quality teas, bringing elegance, wellness, and a refined experience to tea lovers worldwide.
Their Mission:
1. Curate the Finest Teas - To source and distribute premium teas from renowned tea-producing regions, ensuring superior quality, authenticity, and sustainability.
2. Promote a Lifestyle of Elegance & Wellness - To inspire a refined yet approachable tea culture that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and well-being.
3. Deliver an Exceptional Experience - To provide an immersive tea-drinking experience through beautifully crafted packaging, educational content, and expert curation.
4. Expand Tea Appreciation - To introduce tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike to diverse tea traditions, flavors, and rituals from around the world.
5. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing - To support responsible sourcing practices by working with ethical tea producers and advocating for sustainability in the tea industry.
6. Create Community & Connection - To build a global community of tea lovers, fostering conversations and shared experiences through tea.
.jpg)
.jpg)
