“Lo” in the Gilaki language means “origin” or “beginning” — a name rooted in the lush lands of eastern Gilan, where for more than a century the roots of Iranian tea have been cultivated within the Hyrcanian forests. The name is a tribute to the people who planted tea bushes by hand, using simple tools, and through perseverance gave life to Iran’s tea industry. In Iran, approximately 20,000 tons of made tea are produced annually. However, the majority of this production is processed in broken grades through industrial methods and primarily directed toward tea bag and mass-market consumption. Within such a structure, quantity has largely taken precedence over quality, leaving little opportunity to experience the true character of whole-leaf Iranian tea. Over the past decades, the dominant production model has remained industrial, with limited space for the development of specialty and whole-leaf teas. Lo Tea was founded in 2017 with the goal of restoring the position of Iranian tea and establishing, for the first time in a focused and research-driven way, the production of specialty whole-leaf tea in Iran. Our approach is grounded in research, hands-on experimentation, and the integration of modern knowledge with indigenous skills. The production system at Lo is dynamic, continuously evolving, and committed to ongoing refinement. Throughout this journey, we have faced numerous challenges — from the lack of proper infrastructure for harvesting high-quality green leaves to the absence of workshop-scale machinery suitable for small-batch, specialty production. In response, we designed and built part of our own equipment, gradually expanding and refining this infrastructure over the years according to our specific needs. Today, beyond producing Lo Artisan Tea, we provide other tea growers the opportunity to use our infrastructure and machinery to produce high-quality teas. We have also pioneered specialized tea education programs in Iran, aiming to elevate the knowledge of consumers, teahouse operators, and restaurant professionals, thereby helping to cultivate a stronger market for specialty tea within the country. With a fresh and forward-thinking vision, Lo Tea has created a new path for Iranian tea — from garden and harvest to the cup of audiences in Iran and around the world. This achievement has been made possible by a small, dedicated team working collaboratively. Today, through Lo Artisan, it is possible to taste Iranian tea leaves as they truly deserve to be experienced, and to understand the authentic flavor of Iranian tea.