Puer Tea Expert – LU GUOLING
Position and Roles:
- Chairwoman of Haifang Tea Industry Co., Ltd.
- Chief Expert Consultant at the Pu’er Tea Certification Center of Yunnan
- Lifetime Achievement Master of Chinese Pu’er Tea
Life and Career:
Lu Guoling卢国龄, born on November 17, 1933, in Gejiu, Yunnan, is a legendary figure in the Pu’er tea industry with over 50 years of experience in tea production and management. She is renowned for her significant contributions to the development and promotion of Pu’er tea and has been a key player in the success of Haifang Tea Industry Co., Ltd., which she co-founded in 1999 with Zou Bingliang.
Background:
- Family Legacy: Lu Guoling comes from a distinguished family. Her father, Lu Junqing, was a prominent figure, serving as the chairman of the Yunnan Provincial Bank and the chairman of Yunxi Company.
- Early Life: In her teenage years, she left her home to join revolutionary activities, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey in various fields including industry, commerce, and politics.
- Tea Industry: Lu entered the Menghai Tea Factory in 1959, where she took on various roles and eventually became the deputy factory director and chief accountant in 1987. Her work included crucial tasks such as participating in national tea grading experiments and developing quality standards for tea products. She played a pivotal role in establishing management and production standards that contributed to the factory’s success in the 1980s and 1990s.
Contributions:
- Tea Production: Alongside Zou Bingliang, Lu Guoling helped create renowned Pu’er tea products such as the 7542, 7572, 7532, 8582, and 7262 tea cakes. Their expertise led to the development of the “Lao Tong Zhi” green square series in 2006, which is celebrated as a valuable heirloom in the history of Chinese Pu’er tea.
- Awards: In September 2006, at the inaugural Pu’er Tea International Expo, their products won two Tea King awards, one gold medal, and one silver medal. Haifang Tea Industry was also selected as “National Tea Pu’er” in Zhongnanhai.
Legacy:
- Management and Strategy: Lu Guoling is known for her visionary management and strategic approach. Her role in Haifang Tea Industry involves overseeing enterprise strategy and operations, contributing to its reputation and success in the international market.
- Teaching and Standardization: Despite not having a formal finance education, Lu self-studied and became an expert in tea industry standards and management. She created a detailed management model, training numerous individuals across the province and contributing to the standardization of tea grading and pricing.
Lu Guoling’s life is a testament to dedication, resilience, and innovation in the tea industry. Her efforts in preserving and advancing the art of Pu’er tea have made her a respected and cherished figure in the field.
