Chairman's Letter
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER
Dear Ladies, Gentleman & Distinguished Guests,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this, the second, World Tea Forum and to the great city of New York, a city
as cosmopolitan and International as our attendee list and program content, respectively.
If we look around at other industry events, I think we shall find that this one is unique in that it is not double billed as
a trade show or other sales related activity. A missed opportunity? No! More a statement of your support to invest time and
resources learning and discussing the important trade issues of the day with your peers.
This collective responsibility is why our trade is in such robust and fine form today, a threat to it's competition and evolving
rapidly from Grandma's cuppa to the beverage of the millennium.
Some may consider these events no more than salesmanship on behalf of the Tea Association but they are wrong.
It was the WTF that launched a Global Pesticide Initiative that is now gathering momentum and international endorsement at an
impressive rate. It was here that we discussed Supply Chain Management in the post 9/11 age and gave you the practical uses of
our tea and health investigations. This year will be no less useful or responsible. We shall tackle the important
question of Social Welfare within the industry, update ourselves on tea and health, and look at Globalization of the trade
and sustainability as it relates to the Producer.
There is more but, frankly, you shall have to come, listen, participate and share in your Tea Association's
special blend of business, social and networking events that is the 2005 World Tea Forum.
I look forward, along with the Board of Directors of the Tea Association to welcoming you in New York.
Sincerely Yours,
John Snell
Convention Chairman