Cold brew nitro tea producer, East Forged, has completed a $1.5 million capital raise led by Global Mind Agriculture Australia (GMAA), the venture capital arm of Vietnam’s leading agribusiness TTC AgriS.
The funding will accelerate East Forged’s production capabilities, support its expansion into key Asian markets, and solidify its position as a leader in the rapidly growing craft tea movement.
Since its inception in 2020, East Forged has carved out a unique space in the beverage industry by offering the only iced tea cold brewed naturally without added sugars, colours, or artificial flavours. Available at Harris Farm, select IGAs, and WHSmith stores across Australia, East Forged’s ready-to-drink (RTD) range has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to sugar-laden iced teas.
Founded by tea industry veterans Kym Cooper, a leading hospitality tea consultant, and Tania Stacey, a World Tea Brewing Champion, East Forged was created with a mission to offer consumers a tea experience that goes beyond exceptional taste.
Rooted in a commitment to health, sustainability, and craftsmanship, East Forged sources its green, black, and white tea leaves from ethical growers in Australia and China. Each batch is brewed in Sydney for up to 12 hours using a cold-brewing process that enhances the delicate, nuanced flavours of the tea, removing the need for added sugars or sweeteners.
The cold-brewing process, combined with nitrogen infusion at the canning stage, sets the company apart from others in the market. This infusion process, inspired by the smooth pour of Guinness, adds a unique creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel to the tea, providing a sensory experience that is rare in the iced tea market.
“Nitrogen gives our tea a rich, velvety texture, often compared to a perfectly poured pint of Guinness or the fine beading of vintage champagne,” said Stacey.
“We’re sometimes described as the Guinness of the tea world and we’re honoured by that.”
The process impressed F&DB so much that East Forged received the Best Processing Award at the inaugural Hive Awards earlier this year.
“We set out to elevate tea from a functional beverage to something much more refined, similar to what the craft beer industry has achieved,” said Cooper.
“By cold-brewing, we’ve created a naturally flavourful tea that doesn’t need any of the sugars or artificial additives typically found in commercial iced teas.”
The $1.5 million investment from GMAA marks a pivotal moment for East Forged as it seeks to expand internationally with a focus on Asia. GMAA is a pioneer business within TTC AgriS, the dominant player in Vietnam’s agricultural sector.
GMAA CEO, Duyen Doan, said the investment in East Forged aligns perfectly with GMAA's strategy to enhance its portfolio and support companies integral to its manufacturing processes.
“One key initiative under the international strategy is GMAA’s strategic partnership with East Forged, which marks the beginning of our market expansion. This collaboration brings a new line of ready-to-drink tea products, proudly made in Australia, to the ASEAN region.”
The capital raised will allow East Forged to boost production at its Sydney-based facility, improve distribution networks, and establish its footprint in major Asian markets, including South Korea and Japan. The brand is also looking to enter premium retail outlets, boutique cafes, and online platforms that cater to consumers seeking high-quality, health-focused products.
In addition to expanding internationally, East Forged is doubling down on its commitment to sustainability. By sourcing tea leaves from local and ethical growers and ensuring an eco-friendly production process, the company aims to set new standards for environmental responsibility in the beverage industry.
Beyond private investment, East Forged also benefited from the Australian government’s Boosting Female Founders (BFF) grant program, receiving $125,000 before the program was discontinued. The founders credit the BFF grant as pivotal to their early success.
“The BFF grant was instrumental in helping us bring our innovative beverages to market,” said Cooper.
“It not only provided crucial funding but also allowed us to connect with investors and mentors who share our vision for the future of tea.”
