PG Tips and Lipton could be sold by Unilever as black tea continues to fall out of fashion in the UK. The firm is currently reviewing its tea business following a slowdown of sales, with profits plunging by a third in 2019.
According to research by Kantar, Brits are drinking 870 million fewer cups of black tea. The humble brew has been shunned by a younger generation of consumers preferring coffee and fashionable herbal teas. The research shows spending on speciality tea is up 4.2% with herbal tea now worth £52 million and cold infusions worth £11.2 million.
Young experience-seeking consumers are turning away from the standard cuppa for more upmarket brews. Teas promoting a ‘good night’s sleep’ or ‘energy boosting’ are more in-line with the current demand for ‘wellness’ products. In a response to innovate, manufacturers are launching new product lines, such as cold infusions, as well as teas designed especially for drinking with non-diary milk.
Despite the question over Lipton’s future, tea is still the nation’s favourite drink with more than 100 million cups consumed daily. Whatever the outcome, be sure to stay a step ahead of your competitors by keeping up-to-date with the latest tea innovations.
One brand doing just that is Tag Drinks based in Eastcote, London. Check out their innovative range of ‘Tag Tea Lattes’, a tea shot with frothy milk for a rich and warming brew. Or, indulge in their extensive range of loose leaf teas. You’ll find everything from Mango Sencha to Jasmine Dragon Pearls! Sounds Tea-rrific!
It must be about time for a brew?!
By Charlotte Phillips
Opening a coffee shop or restaurant and need advice on brand or interior design? Let’s discuss your concept at hello@offbeatcreative.co.uk or call 020 7060 3121.