28 April 2025 East Forged brews success with $1.5 million investment

The East Forged story: innovation in craft tea

Launched in 2020 by tea specialists Kym Cooper and Tania Stacey, East Forged has quickly made a name for itself in the burgeoning craft tea sector. Their unique cold-brewing process, which incorporates nitrogen gas to create a creamy texture has earned their teas the moniker of the “Guinness of the tea world.”

Currently available in 200 stockists, including major retailers like Harris Farm supermarkets, WHSmith outlets, and select IGAs, East Forged is now set to expand its reach significantly. The $1.5 million investment from Global Mind Agriculture Australia (GMAA), the venture capital arm of TTC AgriS, will be crucial in achieving this goal.

Global expansion and product development

East Forged plans to use the new funding to enhance its production capabilities and expand into key Asian markets, including South Korea and Japan. The company also aims to increase its presence in premium retail outlets, boutique cafes, and online platforms focused on health-conscious consumers.

“We are thrilled to have GMAA as a key investor and partner in our journey,” says co-founder Tania Stacey. “This investment will enable us to scale our operations and reach new markets, while staying true to our core mission of offering consumers a healthy, premium tea experience.”

Elevating tea: the East Forged way

East Forged teas are crafted using green, black, and white tea leaves sourced from ethical growers in Australia and China. Each batch is cold-brewed for up to 12 hours at their facility, ensuring the natural flavours are preserved without the need for sugar, artificial sweeteners, colours, or flavours.

“We set out to elevate tea from a functional beverage to something much more refined, similar to what the craft beer industry has achieved,” explains co-founder Kym Cooper.

East Forged is also developing new product lines, including tea lattes featuring native ingredients, which will be accelerated by the new funding. The company plans to expand its in-house team to support this growth.

The Advance Queensland Female Founders Co-Investment Fund

While East Forged's recent funding from GMAA represents its largest external capital investment to date, the company also benefited from the support from Advance Queensland’s Female Founders Co-Investment Fund.

The Advance Queensland Female Founders Co-Investment Fund is designed to support innovative, women-led startups in Queensland prepare for an early-stage capital raise. The fund co-invests alongside eligible private investors, amplifying the impact and enabling these businesses to scale and succeed.