On June 6 in Hue City, during the 14th East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress, a proud specialty from Phu Tho Province was chosen as an official diplomatic gift for international delegates. UT Purple Bud Tea, produced by UT Tea Investment and Development Co., Ltd., was introduced and presented by Mr. Nguyen Manh Son – Standing Committee Member of the Phu Tho Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee. The gift served as a true “cultural ambassador”, carrying the pride of Phu Tho to an important international forum.
This moment was not only an honor for UT Tea but also a strong affirmation of the quality, heritage, and global potential of Vietnamese agricultural products, especially those that are carefully invested in, culturally meaningful, and recognized with prestigious certifications such as the national 5-star OCOP award.
A Prestigious Setting: Where Excellence Meets Diplomacy
The 14th East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress brought together over 200 delegates from 30 delegations, representing local governments and organizations from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Held in Hue, the congress focused on two key themes: “Green and Sustainable Tourism Development” and “Smart Urban Development.”
In this context, every diplomatic gesture carries meaning. The selection of UT Purple Bud Tea as a gift for Mr. Wang Yinghai, Deputy Mayor of Linyi City (China), highlighted the thoughtful connection between the congress theme and the product itself: a tea cultivated organically, preserving rare genetic resources, and supporting sustainable local development.
UT Purple Bud Tea: A Rare “Natural Remedy” from the Land of Phu Tho
So, what makes Purple Bud Tea worthy of being presented on such a stage? The answer lies in its unique origin, health benefits, and inspiring story.
1. The Revival of a Legend
Purple Bud Tea is an ancient, rare variety that was once at risk of disappearing. Found mainly in Phu Tho, especially Thanh Ba, it is considered one of the cradles of this precious tea. Thanks to the passion of Ms. Le Thi Hong Phuong, the dedicated founder of UT Tea, the variety has been revived, protected, and developed—not only as an economic product but also as a preserved cultural heritage of Phu Tho.
2. Exceptional Qualities and Health Benefits
Unlike regular tea, its buds are naturally purple, like ripe plums, due to their rich content of anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants known to help prevent cancer, improve eyesight, and lower bad cholesterol. Purple Bud Tea is also remarkably high in EGCG, up to 126 times higher than regular green tea, giving it potent anti-cancer properties.
With low tannin levels, the tea offers a smooth, slightly creamy flavor with a balanced bitterness and a lingering sweet aftertaste. It is gentle on the stomach, making it enjoyable even on an empty stomach. For this reason, Purple Bud Tea is often called a “natural medicine” in a cup.
3. Gold-Standard Quality: From Organic Farming to 5-Star OCOP
UT Tea has committed to 100% organic farming, completely avoiding chemical pesticides and using only organic fertilizers and probiotics. Each bud is handpicked following the “one bud, two young leaves” standard and carefully processed with a blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship.
These efforts have paid off: UT Purple Bud Tea has earned both 4-star and 5-star OCOP recognition in Phu Tho Province, marking it as a nationally acclaimed specialty. The company also follows strict international standards, including ISO 22000:2018, HALAL, FDA, and HACCP, reflecting its ambition to reach global markets.
The Inspiring Story of a Woman Entrepreneur from Phu Tho
Behind the success of UT Tea and Purple Bud Tea is Ms. Le Thi Hong Phuong, a woman born and raised in Thanh Ba. Driven by her passion to restore her homeland’s treasure, she started her business with modest resources and built UT Tea into a company with 40 billion VND in total investment, $2.5 million in annual revenue, and two modern factories in Phu Tho and Lai Chau.
Her project, “Production and Processing of Thanh Ba Purple Bud Tea,” won Third Prize at the 2023 National Startup Competition for Women Entrepreneurs, recognizing her relentless efforts. Ms. Phuong’s journey is a powerful example of entrepreneurship, hometown pride, and women’s leadership in creating sustainable community values.
Affirming the Value of Vietnamese Agriculture
The selection of UT Purple Bud Tea as an official gift at the East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress is a proud milestone. It represents not only the excellence of a product but also the revival of heritage, sustainable farming practices, premium quality, and an inspiring entrepreneurial story.
This event proves once again that when Vietnam’s OCOP products are properly invested in and tied to cultural identity, they are more than capable of winning over even the most demanding international markets. UT Tea and Purple Bud Tea have truly become worthy ambassadors, carrying the flavor and pride of Phu Tho to the world, and elevating the image of Vietnamese agricultural products on the global stage.