Pique Tea, manufacturer of organic, loose-leaf-grade instant tea, has made its products available at the stores of natural and organic retailer Whole Foods Markets in Northern California.

Pique Tea Crystals are made from organic whole tea leaves that are selected direct from the farm, at their peak freshness, and brewed and crystallised using a slow brew process.

Pique Tea comes in five varieties, including Organic Jasmine, Organic Earl Grey, Organic Sencha, Organic English Breakfast, Organic Mint Sencha, as well as an Organic Variety Pack containing all flavours.

"Pique Tea has raised capital from venture capital firms, including Khosla Ventures and First Round Capital."

Pique Tea founder and CEO Simon Cheng said: "Loose leaf tea was a fundamental part of my daily life while growing up in Hong Kong, and our mission at Pique Tea is to make the world's healthiest form of hydration easier to prepare, enjoy and benefit from.

"Launching into Whole Foods is an amazing milestone for Pique Tea, allowing us to reach more consumers and provide greater access to this healthy, great tasting and effortless beverage."

Pique Tea has raised capital from venture capital firms, including Khosla Ventures and First Round Capital.

Other investors and advisors include master brand builders such as Keith Belling (PopChips), Leslie Blodgett (Bare Escentuals), and Ido Leffler (YesTo, Yooby, Cheeky Home).