Between Paris and Hadong, a Tea-Flavored Alliance

The collaboration between AVPA and the Korean Tea Society began in October 2024, thanks to the initiative of Maria Kockmann, a member of our Tea Jury since the launch of the “Teas of the World” competition. This first encounter took shape with a Korean tea tasting held at AVPA’s headquarters in Paris, marking the beginning of a rich exchange between two tea cultures with complementary approaches.

The highlight of this growing relationship came in early May 2025 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between AVPA and the Korean Tea Society. On an official mission to Korea, Carine Baudry, president of the technical jury of the “Teas of the World” competition, represented AVPA in Hadong and signed the agreement on behalf of the association.

This partnership lays a strong foundation for an ambitious collaboration: joint publications, mutual support for academic conferences, and exchanges between tea researchers are all part of the plan.

Beyond research, the agreement also includes cross-training programs: on one side, European professionals will have the opportunity to explore Korean tea expertise on-site; on the other, young Korean talents will come to France, particularly to train in sensory analysis.

This desire for exchange will reach its full potential in June 2025, with the arrival of a Korean delegation in Paris, symbolizing a significant and forward-looking collaboration. AVPA is eager and honored to welcome them on June 14 at its premises.

AVPA will organize an exclusive tasting of Korean teas, highlighting award-winning teas from the “Teas of the World 2024” competition. This event is part of the OFF day of the Paris Tea Festival, offering a unique opportunity to discover exceptional teas.

Registration for the tasting is available directly on the Paris Tea Festival website: Paris Tea Festival.