Steven Smith, Portland tea entrepreneur, dies at 65

  • Associated Press
  • Tuesday, March 24, 2015 1:37pm
  • Business

PORTLAND, Ore. — Steven Smith, a Portland tea entrepreneur who brought three separate companies to prominence, has died at 65.

His current company, Steven Smith Teamaker, announced his death Monday, saying it was a result of complications from cancer.

Smith’s previous companies were Stash Tea, eventually sold to a Japanese company, and Tazo Tea, which was sold to Starbucks.

The Oregonian reports Smith specialized in high-end specialty blends that redefined tea in a fashion resembling developments in Northwest coffee, beer and wine.

His Stash partner, Steve Lee, considered Smith a top taster, able to distinguish teas by region and plantation.

Smith traveled widely for tasting and to encourage organic, sustainable production.

Smith Teamaker said it would continue, including a southeast Portland expansion, under his wife and company co-founder Kim Smith.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.