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At the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, held June 24-26, the Winners Tasting Circle offered attendees the opportunity to sample and vote upon first-, second- and third-place winning teas from the 2010 North American Tea Championship and 2011 North American Tea Championship Iced Tea Class. Only 2011 World Tea Expo exhibitors, who also were winners of the North American Tea Championship, were eligible to compete. After attendee voting at the Winners Tasting Circle, the winners of the Buyer's Choice Awards were announced as follows:

Ajiri Tea Co., LLC, Ajiri Tea — Best Black Tea

Art of Tea, Petal Petal — 2011 Best Foodservice

Art of Tea, Amore — Best Blended Tea

Dethlefsen & Balk Inc., 22122 "Mango 'n Friends" — Best Flavored Tea

Ecrossland Inc., Dayang Dragon Well — Best Green Tea

Gourmetti Brands, Chaitea Passion Fruit — 2011 Best Ready-to-Drink

MarketSpice, MarketSpice Signature Blend — 2010 Best Ready-to-Drink

Rishi Tea, Mint Rooibos — 2010 Best Foodservice

QTrade Teas & Herbs, Red Robe Oolong — Best Oolong Tea

Unity Brands Group LLC/ Dilmah Tea, Dilmah Pure Chamomile Flowers — Best Unflavored Herbal Tea

In addition, Steven Downer of Sipping Streams Tea Co. in Fairbanks, Ala., took the top spot at the 2011 Tea Infusion Challenge, a competitive event that determines the best Infusionist — a tea professional (non-manufacturer) that has comprehensive product knowledge, a high level of brewing skills and the innate talent to best express a tea's characteristics and its intended cup.

Source: World Tea Expo