Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd. 下关沱茶厂 is located in Xiguan, Dali City, which is the largest compressed tea processing center and tea distribution hub in Yunnan. The company was originally established as Yunnan Xiguan Tea Factory in 1941. The factory is situated in Dali, known for its long-standing and exquisite tea-making techniques, providing exceptional conditions for the superior quality of Xiguan Tuo Tea. In 1994, the factory was restructured into “Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea Co., Ltd.” and in 2004, it underwent further reform to become a diversified joint-stock enterprise named “Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd.” It is currently recognized as a national leading enterprise in agricultural industrialization, a key enterprise in national poverty alleviation, and a designated production and raw material reserve enterprise for border tea.

History

• 1941: Established as Yunnan Xiguan Tea Factory.
• 1994: Reformed into Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea Co., Ltd.
• 2004: Became a diversified joint-stock enterprise, Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd.

Recognition and Certifications

• National Leading Enterprise: Recognized as a key enterprise in agricultural industrialization and poverty alleviation.
• Protection Unit Qualification: Awarded in November 2019 for the project “Black Tea Production Skills (Xiguan Tuo Tea Production Skills)” as part of the national intangible cultural heritage protection.
• National Agricultural Product Processing Technology R&D Sub-center: Recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2007.

Product Range

The company offers a wide variety of products, including:

• Types of Tea: Various compressed teas, green teas, specialty teas, and bagged teas.
• Notable Product: The “Songhe” Xiguan Tuo Tea, created in 1902, is a century-old renowned brand.

Achievements

• The “Songhe” Xiguan Tuo Tea has won multiple awards, including:
  • National Quality Silver Award (three times since the 1980s).
  • World Food Golden Crown Award (three times).
  • Certified as a Chinese green food by the China Green Food Development Center.
  • Over 30 provincial and national honors, including “Famous Tea Brand in China” and “Famous Products in Yunnan Province.”
• 2008: Awarded “Chinese Famous Agricultural Product” by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Marketing and Distribution

• The company has implemented a nationwide chain marketing strategy, with stores across 30 provinces in China and exports to over 10 countries, including the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.
• The company has been recognized for its commitment to quality, achieving ISO 9001 international quality system certification and the national food safety production license (QS certification).

Cultural Significance

As a designated production enterprise for border tea appointed by several ministries, the company has consistently supplied products to ethnic minority regions in Southwest and Northwest China, gaining popularity among ethnic groups such as Tibetan, Yi, Hui, Lisu, and Pumi.

• Baoyan Brand: Recognized as a “Famous Tea Brand in China” and received accolades as a “Most Favorite Consumer Product in Yunnan Province.”
• Chinese Time-Honored Brands: Listed among the second batch of “Chinese Time-Honored Brands” by the Ministry of Commerce in March 2011.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: The production skills of Xiguan Tuo Tea were included in the third batch of intangible cultural heritage lists released by the State Council in May 2011.

Development History of Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd.

Early Beginnings

Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd. originated from Yunnan Xiguan Tea Factory, established in 1941. It is one of the earliest and largest tea processing enterprises in Southwest China, known as the birthplace of the famous “Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea.” The factory has also been designated as a key producer of border-export compressed tea.

Establishment and Name Changes

• 1920s: Xiguan became a hub for tea trade and processing in Dali, leading to the establishment of various tea processing factories.
• 1941: The factory was founded as Yunnan Chinese Tea Trade Company and established the “Kangzang Tea Factory” in partnership with the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission.
• 1948: Renamed “Xinkangzang Tea Factory.”
• 1950: After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the factory was nationalized and renamed “Xinkangzang Tea Factory, China Tea Company Yunnan Branch.”
• Subsequent name changes included “Xiguan Tea Factory, China Tea Company” and “Yunnan Xiguan Tea Factory.”

Growth and Modernization

Over the decades, the factory transformed from a small workshop into a modern tea processing enterprise. In 1995, it was classified as a medium-sized enterprise by the Yunnan Provincial Economic and Trade Commission.

Establishment of Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea Co., Ltd.

• Following the reforms in China’s market economy, the factory initiated the establishment of “Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea Co., Ltd.” and later transitioned into a holding company, “Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd.” The company’s total assets have exceeded hundreds of millions of yuan.

Technological Advancements

In the 1990s, the company launched the “Eighth Five-Year” technological renovation project, investing over 20 million yuan to:

• Build and renovate warehouses and production workshops.
• Acquire auxiliary equipment suited for production.
• Introduce internationally advanced tea processing machinery.
• Collaborate with a Yunnan university to successfully develop a Tuo tea pressing machine, significantly improving outdated production methods.

Commitment to Quality and Recognition

The company adheres to the principle of “Quality Promotes Enterprise” and implements a brand strategy, maintaining product competitiveness in the market. Achievements include:

• Quality Awards: Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea has been awarded “Yunnan Provincial Quality Product” four times, received the “National Quality Silver Award” three times, and earned various national-level accolades such as “Famous Tea Brand in China” and “Famous Products in Yunnan Province.”
• Export Recognition: The company’s exported Xiguan Tuo Tea has been recognized as high-quality provincial and national products, winning the “World Food Golden Crown Award” three times.
• Product Line Awards: Other products, such as Yunnan Xiguan Brick Tea and bagged Tuo tea, have also received multiple prestigious titles.

Legacy and Future Vision

With 65 years of history, Yunnan Xiguan Tuo Tea (Group) Co., Ltd. has faced numerous challenges and milestones. The dedication and resilience of the employees have built a strong foundation for the company. As “Xiguan tea people,” they are committed to innovation and progress, ready to embrace the future.

The company’s restructuring in 2004, based on the public auction of state-owned net assets, has led to new strategies, mechanisms, and management approaches that align with modern trends. This transformation aims to strengthen the Xiguan Tuo Tea industry, ensuring its brilliance in the market economy and paving the way for further achievements.

Honors and Awards

Corporate Honors

1. 1989: Named a “Provincial Advanced Enterprise” by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government.
2. 1990: Recognized as a “National Level II Enterprise” by the State Council’s Enterprise Management Guidance Committee and the State Production Committee.
3. 1990: Awarded “Advanced Export Unit (1988-1989)” by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government.
4. 1990: Granted the title of “National Advanced Unit for Safety Production in Light Industry” by the Ministry of Light Industry.
5. 1991: Received the “Quality Management Award” from the Ministry of Light Industry for the year 1990.
6. 1996: Honored as a “Glorious Enterprise” by the China Quality Ten Thousand Miles Campaign Organizing Committee.
7. 1996: Awarded “Advanced Unit in National Industrial Pricing” by the National Bureau of Statistics.
8. 1997: Recognized as an “Outstanding Enterprise for Technological Progress in the National Food Industry” by the China Food Industry Association.
9. December 16, 2019: Included in the list of “National Key Leading Enterprises for Agricultural Industrialization.”
10. September 18, 2020: Ranked 17th in the “2020 China Tea Brand Online Development Ranking TOP 30” by iiMedia Ranking.
11. December 28, 2020: Received the Yunnan Provincial Government Quality Award.
12. May 2022: Selected for the proposed commendation list of the Ninth Yunnan Province Outstanding Private Enterprises.
13. September 28, 2023: Passed the re-examination of the “Chinese Time-honored Brand” as per the notice from the Ministry of Commerce and four other departments.

Product Honors

• Certified by the China Green Food Development Center as “Chinese Green Food” and recognized as a “Famous Tea Brand in China.”
• Achieved over 30 provincial and ministerial-level honors, including “First Batch of Yunnan Province Brand Products.” In 2008, received the “Chinese Famous Agricultural Product” honor from the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Songhe” Brand Xiguan Tuo Tea Series

(Founded in 1902, a well-known brand with a century-long history)

1. 1981, 1985, 1990: Three-time recipient of the National Quality Silver Award.
2. 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1987: Awarded the title of Yunnan Province Quality Product multiple times.
3. World Food (Beverage) Golden Crown Awards:
   • 1986 in Barcelona, Spain (9th edition).
   • 1987 in Düsseldorf, Germany (10th edition).
   • 1993 in Madrid, Spain (16th edition).
4. 1988: Gold Medal at the First China Food Expo.
5. 1989: Granted the title of “National Famous Tea” by the Ministry of Agriculture.
6. 1990: Won the “89 China Tourism Commodities Tianma Award.”
7. 1994, 1995: Recognized as a popular product among consumers in Yunnan Province.
8. 1995: Awarded the title of “Yunnan Famous Tea” by the Yunnan Provincial Government.
9. 1995: Recognized as a “Famous Tea Brand in China” by the China Tea Circulation Association.
10. 1996: Received the “European Gold Award for Product Quality” in the 10th edition.
11. 1997: First batch of “Yunnan Famous Brand” honors in Yunnan Province.
12. 1998: Gold Award at the “Kaijie Cup” Tea King Competition at the China International Tea, Tea Set, and Tea Culture Expo.
13. 1996: Awarded the title of “Bestselling Product Brand in Sichuan Market.”
14. 2000: Recognized as a “Yunnan Province Brand Product.”
15. 2002: Recommended as a “Safe Food” by the Yunnan Province Safe Food Recommendation Committee.
16. 2005: Recognized as a “Famous Brand in Western China.”

“Baoyan” Brand Xiguan Brick Tea

1. 1989: Awarded the title of “Yunnan Province Quality Product.”
2. 1994: Recognized as a “Publicly Credible Quality Food” by the China Social and Economic Research Center.
3. 2000: Identified as a “Yunnan Province Brand Product.”
4. 2001: Awarded as a Quality Tea in the Third “Yun Tea Cup” Quality Tea Competition in Yunnan Province.
5. 2003: Received the title of “Seventh Favorite Product among Consumers in Yunnan Province.”

“Nanzhao” Brand Cangshan Snow Green Tea and Gantong Tea

1. 1992: Both awarded the title of Yunnan Province Famous Tea, with Cangshan Snow Green Tea previously recognized in 1980.
2. 1996: Received the title of “Excellent Product in the National Food Industry.”

Main Products

The company offers a wide range of products, including nearly 200 varieties across four main categories: compressed tea, green tea, specialty tea, and tea bags. Among these, the “Songhe” Xiguan Tuo Tea, created in 1902, is a well-known brand with a century-long history. Since the 1980s, it has won the National Quality Silver Award three times and the World Food Golden Crown Award three times. It is also registered as an “Origin Mark Product” by the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Product Features

Xiguan Tuo Tea has undergone a long and challenging development journey since its inception over a century ago. Generations of Xiguan Tuo Tea makers have dedicated their lives to inheriting the craft of Tuo tea production, enhancing the brand, and strengthening the Tuo tea industry.

The century-long development of Xiguan Tuo Tea has not only established a well-known Yunnan tea brand in the tea industry but has also contributed to the economic development of the Dali Bai ethnic area. It has helped thousands of tea farmers in Yunnan escape poverty and achieve a better life. In this sense, the Xiguan Tuo Tea brand significantly influences the entire Yunnan tea industry and the rural tea economy.