Ice White Tea
Green and Ecological Tea Garden

Promoting tea drinking for health

Author:

Release date:

2010-10-28

 

  From enlisting to demobilization

  Zhang Zhengku developed a deep passion for military life from an early age. In February 1978, through his own hard work and determination, he finally achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a proud member of the armed forces, embarking on a three-year journey as a soldier. He honorably discharged in January 1981. During his time in the military, he consistently excelled, earning commendations on three separate occasions, as well as being awarded the title of "First-Class Technical Expert."

  From factory director to chairman

  Before venturing into the tea business, Zhang Zhengku worked as an assistant accountant at the Fuding City Agricultural Bureau, later becoming the director of the Fuding Natural Fragrance Tea Factory. Throughout his career, he earned numerous prestigious accolades, including Outstanding Assistant Accountant and Provincial Advanced Worker. Yet, despite these achievements, he couldn’t shake a growing sense of dissatisfaction with his steady, albeit conventional, lifestyle. In 1984, riding the wave of China’s reform and opening-up policy, state-owned enterprises began facing increasingly restrictive market conditions for their products. Recognizing the shifting landscape, Zhang Zhengku made the bold decision to leave the public sector and enter the private business world—choosing tea as his primary focus. By 1988, he had secured a significant green tea deal in Zhejiang, clinching a contract worth 80,000 yuan and reaping his first major financial success in entrepreneurship.

  As his business grew larger and more successful, Zhang Zhengku turned his attention to the Beijing market. In 1992, he moved to Beijing, where, lacking any established connections, he personally purchased a used car to visit various organizations directly—often facing rejection yet persistently engaging in polite yet persistent communication with others. Through unwavering determination, he eventually reaped his first breakthrough: in 1993, he secured a tiny space to set up his own operational base. From there, his business began to flourish steadily. As Beijing’s business environment continued to improve, he adapted his strategies accordingly, ultimately solidifying his company’s niche focus on white tea. By 2002, he had officially launched his Southeast White Tea Co., Ltd., marking a pivotal transition from factory manager to chairman of the board.

  Promoting tea drinking for health

  For Beijing residents, black tea, green tea, and floral teas may not be unfamiliar—but when it comes to white tea, few people are actually familiar with it. Yet, despite its relatively low profile, Zhang Zhengku has chosen white tea as his main product line. And for this decision, Zhang Zhengku has his own well-thought-out reasons.

  In 2001, the variety of tea available in Beijing surged dramatically, prompting Zhang Zhengku’s tea business to urgently rethink its strategy. During his research, he discovered that people in eastern Fujian often relied on locally grown white tea—not heading to hospitals—for relief from ailments like fever, toothaches, and even measles. Meanwhile, medical studies conducted by international experts revealed that tea contains numerous beneficial compounds that not only promote overall health but may even help inhibit cancer cells. These findings filled Zhang Zhengku with excitement, inspiring him to devise a new plan aimed at helping more customers enjoy both the pleasure and health benefits of drinking tea. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, with the invaluable support of his friends, Zhang finally established his white tea company in 2002.

  Nowadays, whenever white tea is mentioned, Zhang Zhengku still enthusiastically shares its various health benefits with you. From the way he talks about wrapped tea, you can truly sense his passionate eagerness to promote the idea of drinking white tea for a healthier lifestyle.

  Calmly handle fierce competition

  After 2002, as tea consumption among Beijing residents gradually became more widespread and continued to rise, the number of tea merchants grew steadily—and so did competition, especially when the public developed a particular fondness for teas like Tieguanyin and Pu-erh. As a result, the white tea business is now facing significant challenges.

  In response to this, Zhang Zhengku has his own unique strategy. Right from the company’s inception, he adopted a grassroots-based marketing approach: distributing 500 free samples of white tea directly to consumers—especially those with slightly elevated blood pressure or blood sugar levels. He took a personalized interest in understanding their needs and concerns, then used the feedback and tracking data collected from these initial trials to refine the product. As a result, everyone who tried the white tea quickly came to embrace it, gradually helping the brand build a loyal customer base of its own.

  While enjoying strong sales domestically, Zhang Zhengku has also actively leveraged modern technology to connect with numerous foreign friends online. These international acquaintances have shown great interest in Zhang Zhengku’s white tea, first learning about it through Beijing’s gateway—and then even visiting his production facility to explore the craft firsthand. Relying on the exceptional quality of his products and a commitment to honest business practices, Zhang Zhengku has successfully established partnerships with many overseas customers. As a result, his business continues to thrive and grow stronger each day.

  While business is booming, Zhang Zhengku remains deeply committed to the health benefits tea-drinking brings to citizens. Currently, he is advocating for the government to officially fund research into the medicinal value of tea, aiming to help consumers gain a deeper understanding of tea's remarkable health advantages. Meanwhile, Chairman Zhang himself continues to push boundaries in elevating product quality. Under his visionary leadership, all employees at Southeast White Tea have worked together seamlessly, achieving one impressive milestone after another—and earning numerous prestigious awards and accolades along the way. The company’s products have repeatedly claimed top honors in national tea quality competitions, including titles like "Tea King," Gold Medal, and Silver Medal. Additionally, the company’s white tea has been proudly recognized as a Fujian Provincial Famous Tea. Notably, the company’s white tea has been consistently supplied to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, earning unanimous praise from both delegates and experts. Furthermore, the company has earned significant certifications, including Organic Tea Certification, Ningde City’s Well-Known Trademark designation, and the Geographical Indication Certificate for the "Duqi" brand Fuding White Tea awarded by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation. The company’s white tea has also been endorsed as a trusted brand by China’s Three-Green Project and was selected as the official supplier of Baihao Yinzhen for the 2009 White Tea Festival, held at the China Tea Museum. Moreover, the company has been recognized as a leading enterprise in Ningde City.

  Chairman Zhang Zhengku, guided by the business philosophy of "Southeast White Tea: Integrity Worldwide, Exceptional Quality, Leading to Wellness," remains committed to putting customers first. By earning trust and loyalty through honesty, he ensures that the company consistently delivers premium-quality products and superior service—steadily strengthening our brand strength. This enables us to provide more consumers with safe, reliable white tea, allowing them to not only savor the joy of tea but also embrace a healthier lifestyle.

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