Port of Tyne secures new Tetley tea distribution deal

North East port officials say they have laid out a template for future success after securing an international supply contract with a “mega brand” tea producer.

The Port of Tyne is working with Tetley to send the manufacturer’s goods around the world.

Bosses say the beverage firm has outsourced all inbound tea production and finished goods export requirements to the port for international markets that include Canada, USA, Asia and Europe, as well as the UK.

The agreement will cover the movement of thousands of tonnes of raw tea – plus finished products – every year.

Officials at Tetley, known for its manufacturing plant in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, say the deal will deliver commercial and environmental benefits, with the company able to ship larger, heavier loads closer to the point of consumption, while increasing the amount of tea in every container.

They add that by replacing trucks with the port’s coastal feeder service, the firm has also been able to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint.

Hailing the partnership between the two organisations, which stems from an original tie-up back in 2003, Richard Newton, the port’s commercial director for logistics, said it was reflective of the base’s commitment to fulfilling clients’ every need.

He said: “Retaining the custom of a mega brand like Tetley for over 20 years wouldn’t be possible if we were not able to precisely meet their requirements.

“It is a perfect example of the long-term, strategic commercial logistics partnerships we want to foster at the Port of Tyne.”

David Cook, Tetley’s group logistics manager, added: “When it comes to working with the Port of Tyne logistics team, what continues to impress us is their eternal commitment to service improvement and excellence.

“The COVID-19 pandemic provides a perfect example; during this extreme period, they immediately rose to all challenges presented and ensured our global supply chain was not only resilient but could scale to cope with extra product demand.”