MEET ABDUL: COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, VAN REES NORTH AMERICA
From curiosity to passion
“I like to say the tea industry found me! While completing my Bachelor of International Business at the Rotterdam School of Management in 2015, I was recruited to join a traineeship at Van Rees Rotterdam. While not knowing much about the world of tea – apart from the occasional cuppa – my traineeship at the Van Rees Rotterdam gave me a deep insight into the tea industry, which I have been a part of ever since.
Since beginning my career at Van Rees Rotterdam, I have worked at Van Rees Middle East, and currently, I’m responsible for all commercial activities of Van Rees North America. This includes ensuring all tea and botanical products are delivered as required to customers across North America, both on quality and schedule.”
An unforgettable traineeship experience
“My time at Van Rees started in the tasting room, where I tasted teas from all over the world. I explored different grades of black and green teas, both CTC and Orthodox, sourced from origins such as Kenya, North and South India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Argentina, and Vietnam. I got to spend time with the resident master tea blender, who helped me develop a deeper understanding of the variations in teas across the globe.”
Taste around the clock
“There were days when tasting sessions ran non-stop, starting early in the morning and continuing until evening. We would set up rows of teas, brew batch after batch, carefully observe the infusions and aromas, taste each sample, and note every detail. Some days, we studied and tasted over 100 cups – talk about a caffeine rush!
Beyond tasting, I learned the fundamentals of trading and logistics, which are integral to the tea business. I saw how different departments worked together to ensure a steady and smooth flow of teas to their destinations. I also spent time at the tea warehouse in the Netherlands, where I witnessed the blending process up close: large drums carefully “marrying” different teas into final products ready to be shipped to customers.”
The hidden art behind every cup
“Even though I was born in India and grew up in a household that cherished the daily cup of Masala Chai, I never fully appreciated the art of tea blending until I joined Van Rees. I realized how crucial blending is for maintaining consistency, especially given how small changes in climate, elevation, or season can influence the flavor profile of teas, even within the same region.
Without that consistency, I can’t imagine how the beverage that my family loved could have remained the same in taste across decades. Understanding this behind-the-scenes craftsmanship gave me a whole new respect for the beverage. As my career progressed at Van Rees, I developed a real passion for the art of tea tasting and blending. It has become an integral part of my day-to-day role – something very different from the typical rhythms of office work.”
Proud to be part of something bigger
“I enjoy knowing that the work we do at Van Rees reaches millions of tea drinkers around the world. Most people don’t realize the enormous supply chain behind a simple tea bag or a cup of herbal infusion. Every transaction is a puzzle; sourcing, shipping, blending, & quality control – being able to solve these puzzles successfully is what makes our work at Van Rees so rewarding.”
A taste of Rwanda
“When people ask me about my favorite tea, I usually have to give some context first – because it really depends on the type of tea! But if I had to pick just one, I would choose southern Rwanda. This region produces high-quality black teas that brew strong, flavorful cups, perfect for milk tea. Plus, Rwanda – the land of a thousand hills – offers such a unique and vibrant terroir, and you can truly taste that in every cup.”
Adapting to changing worlds
“As traders, we always need to maintain a balance between different stakeholders. The strength of Van Rees is that we remain neutral: we don’t push brands, we focus purely on delivering the right product, at the right time, with the right quality.
Different markets each have their own unique characteristics. In the Middle East, for example, despite lower GDP levels in some countries, there is a strong cultural emphasis on hospitality – or hosting guests – and so this creates demand for high standards for tea quality. In Europe and North America, we’re seeing a shift: traditional black and green teas are declining slightly, while botanicals and herbal infusions are gaining popularity. Navigating these changes and helping customers find the right solutions makes this work exciting, every single day.”
