East Forged taps into Asian tea market

Australian cold brew company East Forged secures $1.5 million from Vietnam’s leading agribusiness TTC AgriS.

Pic: Getty Images

• An Australian cold brew tea company has successfully completed a $1.5m capital raise led by Global Mind Agriculture Australia, the venture capital arm of Vietnam’s leading agribusiness TTC AgriS

• Already a leader in the craft tea movement in Australia, East Forged will now focus on growing its market in Asia as well as domestically

• The company is meeting expanding demand for health focused and ethically sourced beverages

Special Report: Australian cold brew company East Forged secures $1.5m from Vietnam’s leading agribusiness.

A new Australian brew has its sights set on world markets after successfully completing a $1.5m capital raise led by Global Mind Agriculture Australia (GMAA), the venture capital arm of Vietnam’s leading agribusiness TTC AgriS.

But despite its comparison to a famous beer, East Forged is tapping into expanding demand for a very different type of bevvy.

Since its inception in 2020, East Forged has been winning a loyal and growing fan base by offering the only iced tea cold brewed naturally without added sugars, colours or artificial flavours.

Currently sold at select IGAs, Harris Farm and WHSmith stores across Australia, the Sydney-based leader in the craft tea movement is now making moves into the huge Asian tea market.

Founded by industry veterans Kym Cooper, a leading hospitality tea consultant, and Tania Stacey, a World Tea Brewing Champion, East Forged was created to offer an exceptional taste with health and sustainability credentials.

“We set out to elevate tea from a functional beverage to something much more refined, similar to what the craft beer industry has achieved,” Cooper says.

“By cold-brewing each batch for up to 12 hours, we’ve created a natural tea that doesn’t need any of the sugars or artificial additives typically found in commercial iced teas.”

Stacey added what makes the product special is what’s in the can.

“After brewing, the teas are infused with nitrogen at the canning stage in a process inspired by the smooth pour of Guinness,” Stacey said.

“This infusion adds a unique creaminess to the tea, providing a taste that sets East Forged apart. Nitrogen gives our tea a rich, velvety texture, often compared to a perfectly poured pint of Guinness or the fine beading of vintage champagne.”

ASEAN vision

Stacey says the $1.5 million capital infusion is a pivotal moment for East Forged. The cash will allow the company to boost production at its Sydney-based facility, improve distribution networks, and establish its footprint in major Asian markets – including South Korea and Japan.

The brand is also looking to enter premium retail outlets, boutique cafes, and online platforms that cater to consumers seeking high-quality, health-focused products.

“This investment will enable us to scale our operations and reach new markets while staying true to our core mission of offering consumers a healthy, premium tea experience,” Stacey said.

“The craft tea movement is gaining momentum globally, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of that change.”

By sourcing tea leaves only from local and ethical growers and ensuring an eco-friendly production process, the company also aims to set new standards for environmental responsibility in the beverage industry.

This article was developed in collaboration with East Forged, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as East Forged taps into Asian tea market