Definition:

The segment of the tea industry that produces loose-leaf teas, single-estate teas, Fair Trade/organic teas, rare tea types (such as white tea and pu-erh tea) and (some argue) uncommon flavors of tea (such as some dessert teas). The specialty tea industry has seen substantial growth in the last decade.

Some high-end tea importers and retailers feel the term "specialty tea" has become overused and have begun to opt for artisanal tea as a descriptor for their teas instead.

Examples:

Makaibari Estate Second Flush Muscatel Black Tea (organic, biodynamic, Fair Trade)