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THE REPUBLIC OF TEA(r) BECOMES FIRST TEA COMPANY IN THE UNITED STATES TO 
RECEIVE INDEPENDENT GLUTEN-FREE CERTIFICATION

April 22, 2006, Seattle WA -- The Republic of Tea(r), leading purveyor of 
premium teas, is the first and only tea company in the United States to be 
certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) -- ensuring all of 
the brands full-leaf and bagged teas are free of gluten and possible 
cross-contamination from gluten.

"We receive inquiries from our citizens (consumers) everyday, asking if our 
teas are gluten free," said Ron Rubin, Minister of Tea / CEO of The Republic of 
Tea(r). "We are proud to offer them the extra convenience, confidence and 
safety assurance this new certification from GFCO provides."

The Republic of Tea(r) will also be the first tea company with permission to 
include GFCO's certification mark on its signature packaging. Citizens can 
identify the mark on the label and sip with confidence, knowing the product is 
gluten free.

The GFCO, a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group(r) (GIG), is the first 
program of its kind in the world to supervise the manufacturing and testing 
protocol of companies that market gluten-free (GF) foods, for the purpose of 
offering consumers a third-party assurance of safety. This new independent food 
processing inspection program will verify that food products meet the highest 
standards for GF ingredients and are produced in a safe environment.

About GFCO
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is a program of the Gluten 
Intolerance Group(r), and is governed by an independent volunteer board that 
includes physicians, food scientists and consumers.

Key elements of the GFCO process include:
* Ingredients review, down to the original supplier
* Onsite inspections by experienced, trained Field Inspection Agents
* Product and ingredient testing using scientifically proven tests
* GFCO certification mark located on product packages for easy 
identification. To see the Certification Mark go to http://www.gfco.org

For more information visit: http://www.gfco.org.

About The Republic of Tea(r)
Founded in 1992 under a charter to start a "Tea Revolution," The Republic of 
Tea(r), leading purveyor of premium teas, is committed to offering only the 
highest quality teas and herbs, while conducting business in a socially 
responsible manner.  In keeping with its whimsical identity as an independent 
republic, The Republic of Tea designates its employees as Ministers, customers as 
Citizens and retail outlets at Embassies. The brand remains devoted to developing 
products in support of worthy organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast 
Cancer Foundation, Sunny Hills Services and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The 
Republic of Tea's distinguished collection of teas, herbs, brewed iced teas and 
tea-inspired products are available at over 20,000 gourmet retailers and 
restaurants throughout the United States. Signature offerings include: Fair Trade 
Certified teas, Imperial Republic Teas, white teas, Sip and Go Bottled Iced 
Teas, tea honey, tea jam, Stir Fry Tea Oil, USDA Organic teas, tea ware and a 
set of varietal glass-bottled iced teas crafted exclusively for fine 
restaurants.  For more information visit: www.republicoftea.com.

Media contact:
Marideth Post, Minister of Enlightenment, The Republic of Tea, 415.382.3443, 
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