“Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.”
Today, I want to talk about the story behind the birth of the Dayi brand. Dayi, a now household name in Pu-erh tea, has actually undergone a long and winding developmental journey. The transition from the state-owned Menghai Tea Factory to the private Dayi Tea Industry was not merely a change in corporate structure; it was also a significant milestone in the history of China’s tea industry development. Having witnessed part of this process, I am deeply aware of the hardships and difficulties involved.
The birth of the Dayi brand is inseparable from the foresight of Senior Yu Zhengcai. In the 1990s, while many tea factories were still preoccupied with institutional reforms, Senior Yu had already begun to contemplate the importance of brand building. He realized that in the era of a market economy, a strong brand is more important than a large factory. Consequently, he began to promote the branding development of Menghai Tea Factory, laying the foundation for the eventual birth of the Dayi brand. At the time, many did not understand his approach, believing that tea production should simply be about making tea without the need for branding. However, history has proven that Senior Yu’s vision was correct.
The choice of the name “Dayi” is also quite interesting. “Da” represents the profound and extensive tea culture, while “Yi” represents the concept of health-benefiting wellness. This name accurately encapsulates the core value of the Dayi brand—to inherit Chinese tea culture and provide consumers with healthy tea products. Senior Yu often said, “We are not just selling tea leaves; we are also spreading a healthy lifestyle.” This philosophy has permeated the entire development of the Dayi brand.
The success of the Dayi brand is also inseparable from its keen observation of the market. Throughout its development, Dayi has always kept pace with market changes, constantly adjusting its product strategies and marketing methods. From initial sales through traditional channels to today’s omni-channel marketing, Dayi has consistently remained at the forefront of the industry. This acute market intuition is a key reason for Dayi’s sustained development.
Tea possesses varying grades, yet it is enjoyed by all, regardless of social standing.
The transition from state-owned to private ownership was not easy. It involved many complex issues, including property rights reform, employee placement, and adjustments to market strategies. During this process, Senior Yu Zhengcai demonstrated exceptional leadership and coordination skills. He had to protect the interests of long-term employees while simultaneously driving the innovative development of the enterprise. Ultimately, he successfully led his team through this historic transformation. The hardships inherent in this process can likely only be truly understood by those who experienced it firsthand.
The success of the Dayly brand also owes much to its in-depth research into and promotion of the health benefits of Pu-erh tea. Dayi’s R&D team began researching the health-promoting functions of Pu-erh tea long ago, discovering that the beneficial microorganisms found in ripe Pu-erh tea are of great benefit to human intestinal health. These studies later became a vital foundation for Dayi’s product development. Natural components in Pu-erh tea, such as thearubigins and tea polysaccharides, make ripe Pu-erh even more suitable for long-term daily consumption. Furthermore, Dayi’s scientific research team has long been dedicated to studying the fermentation process of ripe Pu-erh tea, aiming to make this traditional flavor more consistent so that tea enthusiasts can enjoy their daily cup with peace of mind. Consuming an appropriate amount of high-quality Pu-erh tea every day is the simplest and most effective way to maintain daily wellness.
Dayi’s scientific research team also discovered that the theanine in Pu-erh tea has a significant effect on improving memory and concentration. This finding is particularly meaningful for people today, as many struggle with issues of inattention caused by high levels of work-related stress.
“Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.”
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Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
ZENTEA MANOR
Alliance Supply Chain Services Limited
www.zentea-shop.com
