8:11AM, Wed Sep 12, 2012

Four Billion Ringtons Cuppas Sailing Into The Tyne

By Joe Daunt Location: Port of Tyne

Video: Ringtons Tea sign new contract with Port of Tyne

Ringtons Tea has announced a new contract with the Port of Tyne which will see over 12 million kilos of tea being imported into the North East.

The three-year contract will bring in enough tea to brew 1.48 billion cups each year.

80,000 kilos of tea will be distributed to the Ringtons Newcastle factory on a weekly basis.

The Port of Tyne has a long-established relationship with another leading tea manufacturer and Ringtons says it was this expertise that attracted the company to the Port.

Port of Tyne Chief Executive Andrew Moffat said: “We are able to respond to Ringtons' supply chain needs quickly and efficiently.

“Our location and distribution services mean that containers and tea samples can be brought directly from ship to warehouse and delivered to Ringtons within hours.”

Ringtons Tea was founded in 1907 and originally shipped tea through the Port of Tyne, close to its factory in Newcastle.

Simon Smith, Chief Executive of Ringtons Tea Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be back where we were founded.

“We are extremely happy to be working with the Port of Tyne. They are a world-class business right on our doorstep.”