Rise Yaupon

Rise Yaupon is a pioneering American tea company dedicated to reviving and elevating Yaupon, North America’s only native caffeinated plant, as a premium tea for modern consumers. Based in Edgewater, Florida, Rise Yaupon sources, grows, and crafts a diverse range of Yaupon teas, blending centuries-old tradition with contemporary wellness trends. The company’s mission is to provide a healthy, sustainable, and authentically American alternative to imported teas, while supporting local agriculture and community development.\n\nCompany Overview\nRise Yaupon was founded with a vision to reintroduce Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) to the American market. Once a staple beverage among indigenous peoples and early settlers, Yaupon had faded from mainstream awareness. Rise Yaupon’s founders, including President Shelly Steele and Co-Founder Mark Steele, recognized the plant’s unique health benefits and cultural significance. They established the company to cultivate, process, and market Yaupon tea using sustainable, transparent practices.\n\nKey Products and Services\nRise Yaupon offers a wide selection of Yaupon-based teas, available in both loose leaf and bagged formats. Signature blends include America’s Classic Yaupon Tea, Healthy Kick Yaupon Tea, Chocolate Mint-Up Yaupon Tea, Strawberry Zen Yaupon Tea, Rosemary Sage Yaupon Holly Tea, and Mushroom Turmeric Yaupon Holly Tea. Each blend is crafted with 100% natural ingredients, real fruits, flowers, and spices, and contains no artificial additives. The teas are available for purchase online and at select retailers.\n\nThe company also operates a tea factory and visitor center in Edgewater, FL, where customers can tour the facility, learn about Yaupon’s history, and experience the production process firsthand. Educational content, recipes, and health information are provided through the company’s website and blog.\n\nYear Founded\nRise Yaupon was founded in the early 2020s, with a focus on sustainable growth and community impact.\n\nIndustries Served\nRise Yaupon serves the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, with a focus on specialty tea, health and wellness, and natural foods. The company’s products appeal to health-conscious consumers, tea enthusiasts, and those seeking sustainable, locally sourced beverages.\n\nNotable Clients and Media Recognition\nRise Yaupon has been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, The New York Times, BBC, Whole Foods Market, Fast Company, and The Washington Post. The company’s teas are recognized for their unique flavor profiles, health benefits, and American heritage.\n\nCPG Capabilities\nRise Yaupon’s core capabilities include tea growing, sustainable agriculture, blending, packaging, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, wholesale distribution, and educational outreach. The company manages the entire supply chain from farm to cup, ensuring quality and traceability.\n\nHealth Benefits and Product Differentiation\nYaupon tea is naturally free of tannins, resulting in a smooth, non-bitter taste. It contains about one-third the caffeine of coffee and is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and theobromine. The teas are marketed for their brain, heart, and gut health benefits, as well as their anti-inflammatory properties.\n\nCommunity and Sustainability\nRise Yaupon is committed to supporting local farmers, promoting regenerative agriculture, and fostering community engagement. The company’s facility in Edgewater, FL, serves as a hub for education and agri-tourism.