Jose Matos, CEO of Trans Arabia, has introduced Bahrain’s first dedicated Tea Boutique, offering a unique selection of premium teas and an immersive experience unlike anything else in the region.

Mr. Matos, a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience in the Middle East, has built a strong reputation in the food and beverage industry, securing exclusive distributorships for renowned brands. His latest venture, however, is deeply personal: a space where tea lovers can explore, taste and appreciate high-quality blends in a way that has never been done before in the region.

“The concept is completely unique,”Mr. Matos explains. “There are tea lounges, but nothing like this. This is a place where people can come in, experience tea in different forms and purchase exclusive blends that aren’t available in the retail market.”

Located at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, the Tea Boutique is not just about selling tea; it’s about creating an experience. Mr. Matos, a native Portuguese and a passionate advocate for high-quality tea, has partnered with Dilmah, a globally respected Sri Lankan tea brand known for its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. His relationship with Dilmah began years ago when he convinced the company to grant him the food service distributorship for Bahrain. Today, he holds an impressive market share, supplying over 85 percent of Bahrain’s five-star hotels with premium tea blends.

Beyond the teas themselves, the Tea Boutique is also a hub for tea education. Mr. Matos emphasises the importance of training and knowledge, offering tea workshops and tastings for both customers and hospitality professionals. Staff at the Tea Boutique undergo rigorous training, including trips to Sri Lanka’s School of Tea, where they learn the intricate details of tea cultivation, preparation and service.

Mr. Matos believes that the Middle East’s tea culture is evolving, albeit slowly. “In Asia, people are much more experimental with tea, using it creatively in food and cocktails,” he notes. “Here, people tend to stick to what they know. But we’re seeing a growing interest, especially through online orders, where flavoured and speciality teas are becoming more popular.”

Sustainability and corporate responsibility are also central to the Tea Boutique’s ethos. A significant portion of Dilmah’s profits go towards community initiatives, including education and support for tea plantation workers and their families. “When you have a cup of tea, you’re not just enjoying great quality – you’re also contributing to a bigger cause,” Mr. Matos says.

Looking ahead, Mr. Matos is keen to see how the Tea Boutique develops before considering expansion. “For now, we’re focused on making this a success,” he says. “But if the response continues to be positive, who knows what the future holds?”

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