Tazo Tea Company | Vibepedia

Tazo Tea, born in Seattle in 1994, disrupted the tea market by offering bold, unconventional blends and a vibrant brand identity, challenging the staid image of traditional tea. Founded by Steve Smith, it quickly became a darling of the burgeoning specialty beverage scene, emphasizing exotic ingredients and creative flavor profiles. Acquired by Starbucks in 1999 for $8.1 million, Tazo expanded its reach exponentially, though this also marked a shift from its independent roots. In 2017, Unilever acquired Tazo from Starbucks for $384 million, further solidifying its position as a major player in the global tea industry, now navigating the complexities of mass-market appeal versus its original artisanal ethos.