AURÉLIE BESSIÈRE
AURÉLIE BESSIÈRE General Manager, Palais des Thés USA Passionate about sharing all aspects of tea and its culture, Aurélie Bessière leads the development of the renowned French tea company Palais des Thés in the United States together with her husband Cy. Aurélie’s uncle is François-Xavier Delmas, the internationally recognized tea expert and founder of Palais des Thés who recruited the couple to launch the company’s North American subsidiary in 2010. After moving to Manhattan from Paris, the couple launched Palais des Thés’ U.S. online boutique in 2011, and subsequently opened the company’s first two wholly-owned U.S. boutiques, both in New York City. For Aurélie, tea is an amazingly tasteful, rich, and interesting beverage that has changed her life. She now combines a life-long love of tea with her strong background in international business to bring the Palais des Thés experience and culture to the United States. A trusted and knowledgeable tea authority, Aurélie shares her wide-ranging expertise through media and events as well as through tea classes she leads at the flagship New York City boutique. The Bessières educate consumers, retailers, chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary students about such topics as tea varieties, tea selection, tea preparation, tea tasting techniques, and pairing tea with food. Additionally, Palais des Thés’ products have received rave reviews and been featured in top media outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, Saveur, Elle Décor, and Zagat, securing its place as a coveted brand for both tea lovers and novices. Aurélie recalls tasting Le Palais des Thés’ Tibetan-inspired “Thé des Moines” (Tea of the Monks) as a girl and being hooked on this secret blend ever since. Having been initiated into the world of tea by her uncle at a young age, Aurélie in turn inspired her husband’s interest in the subject when they first met. Aurélie finds joy in introducing people to the range of flavors available in the tea universe, which she believes are even more varied than the flavors of fine wine, as well as inspiring people to embrace the healthy “time out” that tea offers. She and her husband travel annually to visit tea plantations in Asia, participating in the selection of new teas, further building their knowledge of the tea production process, and continually developing the company’s long-term, mutually-respectful relationships with growers. Prior to joining Le Palais des Thés, Aurélie worked in marketing and investor relations at major companies including Total and L’Oréal, Fluent in French and in English, she studied management and international business in France and the United Kingdom. Aurélie, Cy, and their two children currently reside in Manhattan. Confidentiality Notice: This email is intended only for the person or entity to which it is directly addressed and may contain confidential and/or non confidential information that is privileged. If you are not the right recipient of this e-mail or receive it in error, please contact "mailadmin@promin.com". Delete and destroy the original message and all copies of it.
