SEATTLE—Choice Organic Teas earned Non-GMO Project Verification for its flagship product line of 29 teas. The teas will soon carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, and will appear in the Non-GMO Project’s Shopping Guide as well as in distributor online catalogues.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of yet another critical issue facing our industry and our customers,” said Ray Lacorte,” head of operations for Choice Organic Teas. “With the Non-GMO Project seal now added to our flagship line of products, we hope to further demonstrate to our customers the company’s commitment to producing safe, healthy high-quality teas.”
The Non-GMO Project will be recognizing Choice Organic Teas during the first Non-GMO Month this October. According to executive director Megan Westgate, “Consumer excitement is definitely growing as the Non-GMO Project seal appears on more and more products. It’s wonderful to have companies like Choice Organic Teas leading the way in providing shoppers with the information and non-GMO options they deserve.”
The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit organization created by leaders in all sectors of the natural and organic products industry from the United States and Canada to offer consumers a consistent non-GMO choice for products that are produced without genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technologies. It began as a collaborative effort among independent natural food retailers who wanted to ensure their customers had an abundant selection of clearly labeled, independently verified non-GMO choices. The project verifies all types of products, including those (like tea) that are not yet produced commercially in GMO form. This allows shoppers to easily identify non-GMO items, and also helps reduce the likelihood of new GMO crops being commercialized.
A brand of Granum Inc. of Seattle, Choice Organic Teas made its debut in 1989. Choice Organic Teas offers more than 75 varieties of organic teas and herbal infusions available in teabags, tea pyramids and loose leaf. In 2000, Choice Organic Teas became the first tea crafter in the United States to offer Fair Trade Certified™ tea.