Tiesta Tea, a Chicago-based loose-leaf tea company, has launched its bulk tea programme at Costco's north west warehouses in the US.

Currently, Tiesta Tea's Maui Mango flavour is being retailed for $19.99 per pound bag.

The price of the beverage is claimed to be five times less expensive than competitors' blends. This affordability is seen across the 45-blend line of Tiesta teas, claimed the company.

"We created Tiesta Tea to fill a major void in the marketplace for affordable, high-end loose-leaf tea."

Tiesta Tea chief executive officer Dan Klein said: "We created Tiesta Tea to fill a major void in the marketplace for affordable, high-end loose-leaf tea.

"Our founding principles were to make loose leaf tea that was understandable, accessible and affordable, which is why this partnership with Costco makes perfect sense."

Tiesta Tea president Patrick Tannous said: "Costco's members believe in great quality-products at amazing prices, which aligns perfectly with our beliefs, and we at Tiesta Tea are honored to be the loose leaf tea on their shelves."

Tiesta Tea was started in 2010 and offers loose-leaf tea in different flavours.

The company also supplies its tea to customers through grocers in both bulk format and packaged tea varieties.