Latest news with #PurpleCane
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian tea scene undergoing transformation
PETALING JAYA : The teacups may have been put away after International Tea Day yesterday, but a fresh wave of innovation is keeping the nation's tea culture strong. Driven by youthful energy and creative reinvention, Malaysia's tea scene is undergoing a transformation, from traditional brews to trendy cold infusions, artisanal blends and minimalist tea cafes, redefining how the beverage is enjoyed. 'The current tea market in Malaysia is booming,' said Malaysia Tea Association president Tan Kee Hock. 'Look at the ready-to-drink tea beverages that are so popular among our youngsters. We have homegrown brands like Tealive going strong, Purple Cane venturing into tea bars, and new players like Chagee doing tremendous work promoting tea across nations.' Beyond cafes and bottled teas, the rise of tea-themed restaurants, mixology concepts and educational workshops points to a cultural resurgence. Tan said tea is no longer just a comfort drink but a lifestyle choice embraced by a new generation. However, despite this surge in popularity, local tea production is facing challenges. 'Malaysia produces good-quality tea, but it's not the star of the agriculture sector any more. In fact, I recently learnt that a lowland tea farm had to shut down and switch to other crops.' However, he said there is a shift happening and young entrepreneurs are blending tradition with current trends, from bubble tea and cold brews to curated tasting sessions and tea appreciation classes. 'The younger generation is not only enjoying tea but also learning about its roots. Many are getting into tea education and brewing classes, driven by a genuine passion to connect with the beverage on a deeper level.' He also pointed out that local teas, especially those from Cameron Highlands and Sabah, hold nostalgic value for both locals and tourists. But when it comes to global recognition, Tan believes Malaysia still has ground to cover. 'Sri Lanka has done an excellent job with its national tea brand mark, which ensures authenticity and quality. Malaysia could consider adopting a similar model to strengthen our own tea branding.' Sustainability is also beginning to take root, albeit gradually. 'Organic tea farming is now seen as the pinnacle of tea quality.' On the promotional front, Tan praised the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for spotlighting teh tarik abroad. He said more support is needed to expand Malaysia's tea story, especially with new ventures such as aged tea storage. 'Not only are we producing tea in Malaysia, but now tea aged and stored here for over a decade can be labelled as 'Malaysia Tea'. This presents a unique identity we can build on, and we welcome government assistance to grow this niche.' Tan believes Malaysia's tea heritage, which spans over 200 years, is ripe for revitalisation. 'We need to encourage Malaysians to transition from sweetened milk tea to pure brews, without sugar or cream.' Tan also raised a critical regulatory issue, warning that some Thai tea products sold locally may contain food colouring permitted under Thai laws but prohibited by Malaysia's Food Act. 'Without proper enforcement, the market could be flooded with artificially coloured teas, and most consumers won't know the difference. This is something the government needs to address more seriously.'
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chicopee man wins $1 million prize on Celtics Banner 18 ticket
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A Chicopee resident has struck it big, becoming the fourth $1 million prize winner in the Massachusetts State Lottery's Celtics Banner 18 instant ticket game. Oldest resident in Indian Orchard presented 'Purple Cane' Charles Clemons of Chicopee claimed his prize on Monday at the State Lottery's headquarters in Dorchester, where he was joined by his wife. He opted for a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes. With his winnings, Clemons said he plans to buy a new motorcycle, invest, save, and remodel the roof of his home. The winning ticket was purchased at Racing Mart, located at 475 Saint James Avenue in Springfield. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The Celtics Banner 18 instant ticket game, which launched on November 19, still has two more grand prizes of $1 million available. Players also have a chance to win through Second Chance Drawings, where non-winning tickets can be entered for exclusive Celtics prizes. Among the Second Chance prizes are Celtics suite experiences, game tickets, custom jerseys, and Celtics prize packs. Additionally, five lucky participants will be selected for the Banner 18 Challenge, where one will win a guaranteed $1 million prize during halftime at a Celtics home game. The remaining four finalists will each receive $10,000. The Celtics Banner 18 instant ticket is the Massachusetts Lottery's fifth Celtics-themed game since 2009 and the first in over a decade. Tickets are available at Lottery retailers statewide. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Oldest resident in Indian Orchard presented ‘Purple Cane'
INDIAN ORCHARD, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts State Representative Orlando Ramos presented the traditional 'Purple Cane' to the oldest resident of Indian Orchard. Betty Steadward, 95, is the 2025 recipient of the Purple Cane. Steadward moved to Indian Orchard in 1966 and still lives in the same house she purchased 59 years ago. She worked at a local paper factory in Holyoke for 42 years. Springfield police warn of tire thefts in neighborhoods throughout the city Steadward is a single mother and homeowner, with four children, 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Her greatest passion is gardening. Indian Orchard's Purple Cane tradition is similar to the Golden Cane tradition celebrated in other towns, but purple is the official color of the Indian Orchard community. Representative Ramos was joined by the Indian Orchard Citizens Council and members of the community on Tuesday, 'The idea of the Purple Cane came from lifelong Indian Orchard resident Pat Voisine, who served on the Indian Orchard Citizens Council for 36 years,' said Representative Ramos. 'She contacted me in 2014. I thought it was a great idea, and I decided to donate the cane. It's fitting that this tradition takes place here, in a community filled with great history and tradition.' The last recipient of the Purple Cane was Stella Soja in 2023, who was 99 when she was recognized. Soja passed away peacefully at 100 years old on July 9, 2024, at Sixteen Acres Health Care surrounded by family. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
