Unlock a tea-chest of experience
The sales team at Metropolitan tea has more than 120 combined years of experience in direct dealings with suppliers and manufacturers in all aspects of the Tea industry.
Our customers have access not only to the world’s finest luxury teas, but tea guidance from some of the most knowledgeable people in the trade.
PERSONNEL:
Gerry Vandergrift, Tea Master Level 3
Metropolitan Tea’s founder and master blender, Gerry’s 29 years in the business have earned him a respected position with growers, suppliers and clients the world over. An experienced taster with an MBA in marketing and finance, his knowledge of teas and how to market them is unsurpassed in North America.
Gerry recommends: Irish Breakfast
Kathryn Duncan, Tea Master Level 2
Nearly a decade and a half in the tea business has taken Kathryn around the world and given her a deep knowledge of our trade. A solid understanding of tea blending backed by a formal degree in international business makes her a trusted customer resource with a wide-ranging global outlook.
Kathryn recommends: Pai Mu Tan
John Hales, Tea Master Level 3
John got his start in tea at age 19 in the UK. After completing an extensive apprenticeship he joined the Overseas Tea Marketing department of one the UK’s most respected trading houses. During his nearly 30 years in the trade, John has worked in the UK, Germany, Kenya, where he was the CEO of a tea blending company and now North America.
John recommends: Kenya Natural Dryer Mouth – Tinderet Tea Estate
John Chaffey, Tea Master Level 3
A valued member of our sales team, John has been with Metropolitan since 1992. In ‘85, John was hired out of business school and mentored by Jim and Bill Scandrett, two of North America’s top “tea men”. His subsequent travels and experience make him an exceptional client resource. An ideas man, John is very empathetic to customer needs and thrives on developing new ways to help them grow.
John recommends: Darjeeling Soom 1st Flush
Candace Santagelo, Tea master Level 2
Starting with the company as a co-op student in 1991, Candace has
a long history of creative client management. Extensive
travel overseas to visit suppliers, as well as numerous trade
show trips throughout North America, have given her an incredible
insight into all facets of the tea business.
Candace recommends: Canadian Breakfast Tea
Al Cardenas, Senior Tea Consultant
With more than a decade in the hospitality business and a further
half-decade in tea, Al’s attention to service is exemplary.
With a degree in business, extensive experience traveling the
tea world and tri-lingual ability (Spanish, English and French)
his high energy and enthusiasm for serving our clients makes
him an integral member of our team.
Al recommends: St Paul’s London Breakfast Tea
Chris Clark, Tea Consultant
Chris balances our sales force with a calm and metered approach
to business. In his three years in the trade, the quest
for the world’s best teas has already taken him to Kenya. A
university education in marketing coupled with first hand experience
dealing with our suppliers and growers means he can answer any
tea question our clients might have. And they have a lot
of them.
Chris recommends: Sencha Fukujyu
Christina Tsiktsiris, Tea Consultant
Christina is a quick tea-learner with two years behind her in the trade. Her extensive customer service training also means she’s an expert in helping clients achieve goals. Interestingly, an educational background in interior design helps her in this regard as it gives her insight into the way well planned retail environments can help boost sales.
Christina recommends: Vanilla Chai blended with Yorkshire
Harrogate
OTHERS WHO PUT THE "TEA" IN TEAM
Bill Wismer – Warehouse and Production
General Manager
Bill recommends: Rooibos Provence
Alberto Hauyon – Shipping Manager
Alberto recommends: Shanghai Lichee Jasmine
Silvia Doebeli – Accounts Receivable Manager
Silvia recommends: Yorkshire Harrogate
Luis Hauyon – Accountant
Luis recommends: Organic Rooibos
Zamina Shaheed – Traffic Manager
Zamina recommends: Earl Grey
Chacha Hauyon – HACCP, GMP, NOP and Quality
Assurance Manager
Chacha recommends: Cochin Masala Chai
- History & Experience
- Customer Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Memberships & Awards
- Supply Chain & Food Safety
- Food Handling Policies
- Frequently Asked Questions
In Japan, tea ceremony lessons have always been very popular. Classes can be taken through clubs at many junior high and high schools, colleges and universities.