Katy Woollard to present a Tea Workshop at Women in Tea and Coffee 2026

For our 2026 edition of Women in Tea & Coffee, we are delighted to announce that Katy Woollard will be presenting a Tea Workshop for attendees eager to discover the story behind two of the world’s most iconic green tea traditions in an immersive tasting experience.

Katy Woollard is a tea specialist with over a decade of experience in the tea and coffee industry, dedicated to deepening understanding and appreciation of exceptional teas. Since joining Whittard of Chelsea in 2014, Katy has led global tastings, developed product education and trained teams to bring the story of each tea to life – from origin and processing to flavour and brewing.

Having worked across brand experience, marketing and training, Katy specialises in translating complex tea knowledge into engaging, sensory-led experiences. Her visits to tea origins and packing locations around the world have given her first-hand insight into the journey from field to cup.

Katy is passionate about guiding others to taste with intention, understand quality and discover the craftsmanship behind every infusion.

In this guided session, participants will explore the fascinating differences between Chinese pan-fired green teas and Japanese steamed green teas – two styles shaped by distinct cultures, craftsmanship and processing techniques. Through side-by-side tastings, there is much to learn about how heat treatment transforms flavour, aroma, colour and mouthfeel.

Expect to uncover the toasty, nutty notes often found in Chinese pan-fired teas alongside the vibrant, grassy, umami-rich character of Japanese steamed teas. Participants will dive into how each method locks in freshness, influences the leaf’s appearance and ultimately shapes what ends up in a cup.