Port of Tyne brews coffee deal with Ringtons

The Port of Tyne has struck a new import deal with North East tea and coffee merchant Ringtons.

Since the partnership began three weeks ago, 45 tonnes of coffee beans have been imported into Newcastle via the Port of Tyne — enough to make 4.5 million cups of coffee once roasted.

Ringtons — a family owned and run business based in Newcastle — is best known as for its quality teas and historic doorstop delivery service.

But the company’s coffee division has grown substantially in recent years, and the company is now producing significantly more coffee than it was just five years ago.

The Ringtons Beverages for Business division in particular has seen a surge in coffee sales.

Prior to the new deal, Ringtons would import their coffee via Europe, and it would be delivered it to their headquarters by road.

Under the new deal, their coffee beans will arrive by ship direct from Brazil, Mexico and Honduras, and will be stored at the Port of Tyne before being delivered to their roasting facility in Balliol Business Park.

Ringtons hopes that their relationship with Port of Tyne will enable the business to streamline its supply chain and reduce their impact on the environment.

Stephen Drysdale, head of coffee at Ringtons, said: “The Port of Tyne has always been hugely supportive of Ringtons and have been successfully storing our tea and making daily deliveries to our factory for over seven years now.

“Previously our coffee was stored in Antwerp and transferred by truck, which meant it had to travel by road to our facilities in Newcastle.

“Switching from Antwerp to receiving direct containers from origin via the Port of Tyne offers us a more environmentally friendly, time efficient and cost-effective solution.

“As a proud North East family business, we are also delighted to work with another well-respected local company and to continue to support the vibrant North East business scene.”

The Port of Tyne already has over 15 years’ experience in handling tea, and over a third of the UK’s tea imports currently arrive via the North East port.

But the new deal is the first time the port has handled coffee beans.
Richard Newton, Port of Tyne Commercial Director Logistics, said: “This is the first time that the Port has handled coffee.

“We are very proud to be building on our partnership with a great local business. It’s great to be working with an existing customer and supporting them as they grow and develop.

“Our port centric logistics approach means Ringtons will benefit from our seamless handling of their goods from start to finish including increased and more flexible storage facilities, whilst at the same time reducing their costs and carbon footprint.”