At Team Cone, we are a family-owned beverage distributor serving 22 counties in North Central Florida, and our goal is to bring high-quality drinks to our friends and neighbors. Consequently, we look for partners who put “the best in every glass”. We are proud to announce that we are now distributing Just Ice Tea, a brand defined by its mission and its rigorous Just Ice Tea Ingredient Standards.
Real-Brewed Leaves: A Core Just Ice Tea Ingredient Standard
Just Ice Tea starts with hand-picked, whole-leaf tea. Unlike many commercial brands that use powders or concentrates, they steep real leaves in freshly boiled H2O just like you would in your own kitchen. This real-brewed process captures the natural taste, aroma, and complexity of the leaf.
Choosing whole leaves over powders is a significant health choice. Studies have shown that the processing required to create tea powder can destroy most of the antioxidants found in the original leaf. By sticking to whole-leaf brewing, Just Ice Tea preserves the natural antioxidants, that consumers look for in a functional beverage.
Always Organic: Protecting Florida Consumers
Organic farming is a vital Just Ice Tea Ingredient Standard because of how tea is produced. Tea leaves are one of the few agricultural products that are never rinsed before brewing. If a grower sprays synthetic pesticides on the bushes, those chemicals stay on the leaves until they are steeped in your cup.
By committing to 100% organic certification, the brand ensures its ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This protects the health of the tea pickers and keeps waterways clean. Scientific data shows that water-soluble pesticides can have transfer rates as high as 92.4% from the leaf to the brew, making organic sourcing a non-negotiable standard for our health-conscious neighbors in Ocala and Tallahassee.
“Just Sweet Enough” and Fair Trade Sourcing
To provide a healthier option, Just Ice Tea uses a “Just Sweet Enough” profile. They blend real fruit juice with three natural, Fair Trade certified sweeteners:
- Agave Syrup: For a smooth, neutral sweetness.
- Organic Honey: Sourced from smallholder farms.
- Cane Sugar: Certified Organic and Fair Trade.
For every pound of tea and sweetener purchased, the brand pays a premium that goes directly to farming communities. These funds are managed democratically by the workers to invest in projects their villages need most. Recent projects include:
- Healthcare: Comprehensive eye care for entire villages and new ambulances.
- Infrastructure: Building water access units for clean drinking water.
- Education: Constructing school playgrounds and science classrooms.
- Empowerment: Dedicated programs to support women in the workforce.
Visionary Leadership and Accountability
The brand is led by co-founders Seth Goldman and Spike Mendelsohn. Seth Goldman, the “Chief Change Agent,” co-founded Honest Tea and serves as the Chair of Beyond Meat. Celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn ensures every variety is chef-crafted and ethically grown.
As a founding brand of the Purpose Pledge, Just Ice Tea holds itself accountable to 10 specific commitments regarding consumer health, environmental impact, and employee fairness. This transparency aligns perfectly with Team Cone’s commitment to “Simple and Genuine” service.
Bringing a “Sip of Change” to Your Local Cooler
As we expand our footprint in 2026, Team Cone is excited to bring new varieties, Peach Oolong, Half & Half, and Honey Green to our local retail partners. When you choose a Just Ice Tea from a Team Cone partner, you are supporting a supply chain that values the planet, the farmer, and your health.
Look for the glass bottles at your favorite retailer in North Central Florida. If you want to learn more about our current portfolio, please click the button below.
