Bangkok - Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to packaging sustainability with the recent launch of bottles made from 100% recycled plastic (100% rPET bottles) for its all flavors of Oolong TEA+, becoming the first company in Thailand's ready-to-drink tea market to adopt this eco-friendly packaging. The company aims to make the circular economy a reality by implementing bottle-to-bottle recycling while delivering the same refreshing and tasty tea products. With the authentic taste ready-to-drink tea experiencing a remarkable 50% growth in the past 2 years*, the company anticipates the launch of TEA+ Oolong Tea in eco-friendly rPET bottles will appeal to the younger generation of health-conscious consumers, enabling them to support the environment while enjoying their favorite tea. The rPET TEA+ products can be easily identified by the 100% rPET logo, assuring cleanliness, safety, and the same good taste. These eco-friendly TEA+ products are now available in convenience stores and major retailers nationwide.

Mr. Anawat Sangkhasap, Chief Marketing Officer at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd, said, "After the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen 2 significant consumer trends. First is the health-conscious trend which aligns with the benefits of real tea leaves from our TEA+ products, meet the need of consumers with better for health preferences. Another trend is that consumers now put greater emphasis on sustainability in their purchasing decisions. This is also in line with Suntory PepsiCo Thailand’s commitment to promote sustainable packaging management, since using high-quality PET plastic and eco-design for packaging. In April, we introduced Pepsi and Pepsi No Sugar 550 ml in 100% rPET bottles, becoming the first player in Thailand’s beverage market to use 100% rPET bottles. We are now extending 100% rPET bottles to our ready-to-drink TEA+. This step allows the health and eco-conscious consumers to be part of our environmental conservation efforts through bottle-to-bottle recycling, driving the widespread adoption of rPET bottles -the sustainable packaging- in Thailand."

Mr. Junichiro Takata, Head of Marketing, Suntory Brands at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd, added, "Nowadays, the competition in the liquid refreshment beverage market is more intense. With a market value of over 150 billion baht, ready-to-drink tea has a market share of up to 15%, indicating that consumers are increasingly choosing to drink authentic tea and pay more attention to health. Over the past two years (May 2021 - May 2023), the market for low-sugar or no-sugar tea has consistently grown by more than 50%. Up to 27% of all ready-to-drink teas are preferred by those seeking low-sugar or no-sugar options, with this proportion steadily increasing*. TEA+ was launched in Thailand in 2021, targeting tea consumers with real tea quality, ready-to-drink Oolong tea flaunting the delicious aroma and taste of tea following the standard of Suntory Japan. TEA+ has emerged as a significant player, currently holding the number 1 position in the Thai Oolong tea market with the largest market share*. Apart from being a leader in sales, we also want to be a leader in environmental care. Therefore, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand introduced TEA+ in all flavors with 100% rPET bottles, ensuring they are clean, safe, and compliant with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. The bottles are clearly labeled with a 100% rPET logo, making it easy for consumers to recognize that they are made from 100% recycled plastic and can be recycled again. With this initiative, TEA+’s consumers can enjoy the refreshing and authentic taste of high-quality tea while also helping create a better world for future generations.”

Tea plus developed by Suntory who has 40 years of oolong tea RTD tea experts, presents a delightful and real tea quality option for tea enthusiasts. Extracted purely from 100% Oolong tea leaves, TEA+ contains OTPP (Oolong Tea Polymerized Polyphenol), a natural ingredient extracted from Oolong tea leaves, with an aroma of authentic roasted tea leaves through a production process that ensures quality and meticulous tea fermentation following the standard of Suntory Japan, which is trusted worldwide. TEA+ caters to the preferences of working individuals aged 25-35 seeking for refreshing tea including tea enthusiasts who seek ready-to-drink tea made from high-quality tea leaves. With a rich taste and refreshing profiles, TEA+ offers an array of 3 Oolong tea recipes, including Tasty, No Sugar, and the latest Honey Lemon flavor, making it a perfect healthy choice for people of all ages and genders.

TEA+ is now available in 100% rPET bottles with all flavors and 100% rPET logo that guarantees cleanliness, safety, and compliance with FDA standards. TEA+ in this eco-friendly packaging are now on shelves in convenience stores and leading retailers. For more information, please visit the TEA+ Facebook page: TEA+ Thailand.