Bobbie the Bear: A Unique Success Story from Tasmania Captivating Chinese Tourists
The Bridestowe Lavender Estate's iconic product becomes a household name in China, attracting thousands of visitors yearly.
The Bridestowe Lavender Estate, located in the Tamar Valley of northeastern Tasmania, is known not only for its picturesque lavender fields but also for its iconic product, Bobbie the Bear.
This scented purple teddy bear, a byproduct of the estate, has garnered significant popularity in China, making it one of the most successful foreign brands in the region.
Robert Ravens, owner of the estate, reported that the surge in popularity began more than a decade ago after a Chinese celebrity featured Bobbie on social media, igniting a wave of consumer interest across the country.
Since then, demand has skyrocketed from a few thousand units annually to hundreds of thousands, establishing Bobbie as a household name in China.
With an expansive 160-hectare property, Bridestowe Lavender Estate attracts approximately 68,000 visitors each year, many of whom are Chinese tourists, drawn not only by the stunning views of nearly 700,000 lavender bushes but also by the allure of Bobbie the Bear.
The estate, which dates back over a century, was founded by Charles Denny in 1921, who brought wild lavender seeds from southern France with the objective of producing premium lavender oil.
The site's geographical positioning at 40 degrees south of the equator contributes a similar climate to that of Provence, enhancing the quality of the lavender produced.
The estate was recognized for its outstanding lavender oil as early as 1935, with connections to the Yardley family, renowned soap makers since the 17th century.
By 1975, it had grown to be one of the world's largest lavender oil producers.
However, following the family management's departure in 1989, the estate experienced a decline until Ravens acquired it in 2007 after a lengthy negotiation process.
Having transitioned from a corporate role in Sydney, Ravens approached the estate as a restoration project rather than a conventional investment.
Today, Bridestowe Lavender Estate symbolizes Tasmania’s tourism charm while enjoying global recognition for its lavender oil and Bobbie the Bear.
Despite the challenges faced during the estate's revival, Ravens views his stewardship as a communal responsibility, emphasizing that the estate ultimately belongs to the public.
The flourishing business continues to attract international attention, demonstrating the resilience and appeal of Tasmanian agricultural tourism.
This scented purple teddy bear, a byproduct of the estate, has garnered significant popularity in China, making it one of the most successful foreign brands in the region.
Robert Ravens, owner of the estate, reported that the surge in popularity began more than a decade ago after a Chinese celebrity featured Bobbie on social media, igniting a wave of consumer interest across the country.
Since then, demand has skyrocketed from a few thousand units annually to hundreds of thousands, establishing Bobbie as a household name in China.
With an expansive 160-hectare property, Bridestowe Lavender Estate attracts approximately 68,000 visitors each year, many of whom are Chinese tourists, drawn not only by the stunning views of nearly 700,000 lavender bushes but also by the allure of Bobbie the Bear.
The estate, which dates back over a century, was founded by Charles Denny in 1921, who brought wild lavender seeds from southern France with the objective of producing premium lavender oil.
The site's geographical positioning at 40 degrees south of the equator contributes a similar climate to that of Provence, enhancing the quality of the lavender produced.
The estate was recognized for its outstanding lavender oil as early as 1935, with connections to the Yardley family, renowned soap makers since the 17th century.
By 1975, it had grown to be one of the world's largest lavender oil producers.
However, following the family management's departure in 1989, the estate experienced a decline until Ravens acquired it in 2007 after a lengthy negotiation process.
Having transitioned from a corporate role in Sydney, Ravens approached the estate as a restoration project rather than a conventional investment.
Today, Bridestowe Lavender Estate symbolizes Tasmania’s tourism charm while enjoying global recognition for its lavender oil and Bobbie the Bear.
Despite the challenges faced during the estate's revival, Ravens views his stewardship as a communal responsibility, emphasizing that the estate ultimately belongs to the public.
The flourishing business continues to attract international attention, demonstrating the resilience and appeal of Tasmanian agricultural tourism.
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