The World Tea Expo annually awards a tea industry leader with the John Harney Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions to advancing the business of tea. The award is named after Harney & Sons' founder, John Harney.
World Tea Expo's 11 tea industry professionals that make up the Advisory Board have chosen this year's 19 nominees. One of the board's selection criteria includes a consideration of each nominee's impact on the tea industry on both local and global scales. This year's nominees are made up of a diverse group of tea business experts who share a passion for tea.
The 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be announced at the World Tea Awards & Opening Night Cocktail Reception, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in the Las Vegas Convention Center's South Hall.
2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees
Rahah Banerjee, founder of Makaibari Tea Estate
Dan Bolton, editor/publisher, Tea Journey Magazine
Charlie Cain, principal and executive consultant, Building Oz
Babette Donaldson, founder, International Tea Sippers Society
Kevin Gascoyne, owner, Camellia Sinensis
Sanjay Guha, international tea consultant
Richard Guzauskas, consultant/specialty tea industry
Manik Jayakumar, founder and CEO, Qtrade Teas & Herbs
Nigel Melican, managing director, Teacraft Ltd.
Jane Pettigrew, author and speaker
Bruce Richardson, author/publisher, Benjamin Press
Louise Roberge, president, Tea and Herbal Association of Canada
Ron Rubin, minister of tea and CEO, The Republic of Tea
David Segal, co-founder and brand ambassador (retired), David’s Tea
Thomas Shu, owner, JT & Tea Inc.
Tim Smith, chief leaf, The Tea Smith
Abigail St. Clair, owner, TeBella Tea Company
Maria Uspenski, founder, The Tea Spot
Bill Waddington, founder and president, TeaSource
