Ringtons Tea, a venerable British brand of premium teas has inked distribution deals for a national rollout in the United States.
Headquartered in Newcastle, UK, the 107-year-old firm, which grossed $50 million in 2013, will begin distribution in the US with the help of North Atlantic Imports in Michigan and Ian Geddes of Finest English Tea which will handle West Coast distribution.
“We are proud to introduce 12 exceptional teas to the American market, and changing the concept of what really great tea is. Ringtons is still a family owned business that started life when Samuel Smith began selling tea from a horse and cart to the households of Newcastle, England. To this day, the brand is recognized for its excellent quality and consistency,” according to the company press release.
Ringtons supplies luxury grocers including Fortnum & Mason, continues its doorstep delivery service and offers private label services.
John Lucas at North Atlantic will service Eastern accounts from his North Carolina and Michigan offices. Geddes is based in California.
“Thanks partly to their North East roots, both Ian and John fully understand the Ringtons brand, our ethos as a family business and our commitment to quality and transparency. They are dedicated to serving up a great cup of Ringtons tea to American tea drinkers,” said Ringtons' Simon Smith.
Ringtons has similar distribution deals in Japan and Australia and intends to further build its export business in coming years, according to Smith.
Learn more at: Ringtons Tea