When he started investigating what was currently being used in the industry, he found astonishing practices. In his opinion, tea commonly being served around the country could not even be considered real tea. Some products had up to 20 ingredients, including red dyes and artificial flavors.
He knew he could do better.
The first thing he did was consider the actual tea leaves that made the blend. In most cases, he found that companies were using inferior products to make their teas. They were simply adding artificial tea flavors to make their brews taste like tea.
This led to the first important decision in the history of the Cooper Tea Company: High-quality, real tea is used in our teas. Not the cheapest, least expensive teas available.
After four years of research, trial and error, Barry perfected the tea.
After consistently beating the competition in taste tests, the tea was finally delivered to the store – and shared with customers.
Cooper’s Iced Brew Tea was tested in three markets in 2002. It excelled in the test and was launched in stores throughout the United States in 2003. Its success was immediate, and in 2004, a sweetened version was launched to even greater success.
In response to customer demand for better-tasting tea, restaurants have been quick to add the Cooper products to their menu. The company has developed a proprietary blending process that captures all of the flavor in a real tea concentrate. This convenient solution has made it a viable alternative for small and mid-size restaurants. In 2005, the product was expanded to include high-volume restaurants. Later that year, the products were re-branded under the name B.W. Cooper’s.
In 2006, B.W. Cooper’s unveiled a new high-energy tea in two flavors: BAZZA High-Energy Green Tea and BAZZA High-Energy Raspberry Tea. Learn more about BAZZA at BazzaTea.com
In 2007, a Southern Sweet flavor was developed especially for the southern tea drinkers. This new extra-sweet blend is adored by consumers. In 2008, B.W. Cooper's Tropical Green Tea made it's debut to rave reviews. With notes of papaya, mango and passionfruit, this twist on green tea has been a customer favorite since it was added to the product line.
