Arbor Teas

One of the largest sustainable tea distributorships in North America, Arbor Teas provides organic, fair trade certified teas, while prioritizing sustainability, social welfare, and transparency in their business practices.

branding services for food and beverage businesses like Arbor Teas

Services

Brand Strategy
Website Design & Development
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Website Hosting & Support
Content Marketing
Marketing Services

Brand Values that Differentiate

Built around one simple, powerful idea, Arbor Teas delivers the highest quality organic tea in the most sustainable and ethical way possible.

From day one, their commitment to certified organic teas, fair trade partnerships, and backyard-compostable packaging has set them apart. But what truly makes Arbor Teas stand out is the depth of their purpose, a belief that great tea can also be a force for good.

brand identity design for Arbor Teas an online retail company

Brand Identity Rooted in Authenticity

Inspired by the relationship between the tea plant and the farmers who nurture it, the brand is designed to reflect growth, harmony, and continuous renewal. The typeface was selected for its organic curves and structural elegance, echoing the natural forms found in the branches and stems of the tea plant. At the same time, the color palette reflects the full life cycle of tea. It moves from fresh green buds to warm, earthy brewed tones. It also draws from the rich landscapes where tea grows. Ultimately, we aimed to express the experience of tea itself. That means balance, simplicity, and authenticity in every detail.

brand strategy, messaging, identity for food and beverage companies like Arbor Teas

Aligning Purpose, Story, and Strategy

We helped Arbor Teas translate their purpose into a clear, authentic narrative that connects deeply with their audience. Through strategic and purposeful design, we aligned their story, visual identity, and digital presence around a unified brand strategy. The result is a brand that communicates who they are, what they stand for, and why it matters — positioning Arbor Teas as a trusted leader in the ethical marketplace.

Website design for Arbor Teas for ecommerce
  • website design in michigan with aubrey lopatin owner of arbor teas

    We’ve been working with FWD for more than 20 years, and they’ve been part of our story from the very beginning. They’re true partners who have grown alongside us helping us evolve every step of the way with thoughtful design, strategic insight, and genuine care.

    Aubrey Lopatin, Owner, Arbor Teas

Ecommerce website design for Arbor Teas
mobile-first website design services for Arbor Teas

A Website Designed with Intention and Built for Ecommerce

The Arbor Teas website was designed to bring the brand’s purpose and principles to life through a seamless, intuitive user experience. Every aspect of design, development, and content was built on a foundation of strategic thinking — combining brand expression with performance.

SEO and CRO services for ecommerce website
website design content page example
website page layout design example
information website page layout design
example of website design page content
example of website page design for arbor teas
website page describing arbor teas sustainable packaging

SEO & CRO Strategy to Make Every Click Count

A comprehensive SEO strategy, paired with a thoughtful sitemap and intuitive navigation, creates a seamless customer journey from search to conversion. Whether visitors are devoted tea enthusiasts or casual shoppers, the site makes it easy to find and purchase the right product in just a few clicks.

ecommerce website product page design example for desktop and mobile
ecommerce website page component example
ecommerce website design example for product testimonials
ecommerce website design layout for related products

Packaging Designed on Principle

Designed to clearly communicate their values while meeting the highest environmental standards, the Arbor Teas packaging system balanced aesthetics, function, and responsibility. Each package needed to accommodate a wide range of products — from finely powdered matcha to fluffy herbal blends — while providing clear steeping instructions, preparation suggestions, and compliance with certified organic labeling requirements.

package design for food and beverage business

Backyard Compostable Packaging

In collaboration with the Arbor Teas team, we created packaging and shipping materials that fit seamlessly into their existing operations. Using compostable materials, non-toxic inks, and plastic-free components, the system both reflected and embodied their commitment to sustainability — naturally breaking down in backyard compost within months while leaving a lasting impression of their values.

package design for sustainable compostable product packaging
design of packaging for food products
food package design for arbor teas
  • website design in michigan with aubrey lopatin owner of arbor teas

    What we love most about working with FWD is how deeply they understand our brand and our values. Every project feels authentic to who we are. They listen, ask questions, and bring creative solutions that fit seamlessly into our vision. It’s always a joy to collaborate with such a talented and thoughtful team.

    Aubrey Lopatin, Owner, Arbor Teas

website design for arbor teas sustainable package design
website page describing package design for arbor teas
explaining food and beverage package design for arbor teas
package design for compostable product packaging
design of sustainable packaging for food and beverage brand
label design, package design, information design for arbor teas package

Designing an Inviting Experience

Interactive website pages, iconography, and photography educate customers on Arbor Teas’ commitment to sustainability, from how to store and steep their tea to composting the package at home. The experience encourages the customer to participate in the brand’s mission to enjoy exceptional tea in the most sustainable way possible.

designing packaging for a food and beverage online retail brand
graphic design for food packaging
graphic design elements for sustainable food and beverage business
brand strategy to build lasting relationships with customers

Building Lasting Customer Relationships

Arbor Teas has built a loyal community by staying true to its values and creating meaningful experiences that resonate with its customers. Brand-aligned initiatives like Customer Portraits, Earth Day Donation Nominations, the Summer Reading Series, and Steeper Personalities deepen those connections — turning shared values into lasting relationships.

promotional item design, business uniform design, product design
food and beverage uniform design and promotional giveaways
  • website design in michigan with aubrey lopatin owner of arbor teas

    FWD has played an essential role in helping us grow Arbor Teas from a small local business to a national brand. Their approach is always strategic and thoughtful, combining creativity with a clear understanding of what drives our business forward. Over the years, they’ve helped us refine our packaging, redesign our website, and develop marketing initiatives that have supported our growth as a sustainable, ethical tea company.

    Aubrey Lopatin, Owner, Arbor Teas

branding, marketing, website design and graphic design for food and beverage business

Growing Sustainably

By celebrating their audience, delivering on their promises, and leading with authenticity, they’ve become a brand people genuinely love.

As a result, Arbor Teas has expanded international distribution, partnered with Founders Beer, achieved a consistent 7.5% conversion rate, increased search visibility, and sustained 20% year-over-year growth.