A Taiwanese black tea from Miaoli-based FormoCha (福爾摩茶) won Best in Show at The Leafies, an international tea competition hosted by the UK Tea Academy (UKTA) annually since 2022. Historic London grocer, Fortnum & Mason, nearly 320 years old with its flagship at Picadilly Circus, plans to launch the tea this spring.  

The Leafies promotes fine teas and tea culture, with past winners serving as an industry benchmark for food and beverage, hospitality, and retail. 

Tea buyer Ottilie Cunningham, a Leafies judge, praised the winner after the awards ceremony on Friday, saying the leaves have a pleasing appearance and form, a brightly-colored liquor, a distinct fruity aroma, and a pleasant taste. 

Fortnum & Mason has long sold Taiwanese teas; Cunningham noted oolong’s fame in Britain and rising awareness of black tea among connoisseurs. Speaking simple Mandarin in the interview, she said she plans a spring Taiwan trip to meet producers and farmers. 

This marks Taiwan’s first Leafies Best in Show from over 400 global entries. The tea also serves EVA Air’s Royal Laurel class cabins.