Tea Company Expands Into Retail

The Rutland Tea Co. will be opening the new shop inside Fords of Oakham department store, Leicestershire this Saturday, 2nd October. The company has been sourcing high-quality tea from around the world and selling it via the internet and at local craft fairs and markets since launching in 2009. The new venture will allow customers the opportunity to sample and buy a vast range of speciality drinks from a producer in Cornwall, as well as those in India, China, Bolivia, Japan, and Kenya.

“There is a big demand for speciality teas in this area. When we were researching the expansion, the most surprising thing we found was that so many people wanted to buy the exotic teas they’d tried on holiday, but couldn’t find them anywhere,“ says Richard Wench, co-owner.

The company had been on the look out for a suitable retail space for a while. “Because we only needed a relatively small space we talked to complementary local businesses and were offered space by Fords. It sells tea pots, china tea services and mugs, so new customers should bring a nice boost to its normal clientèle,” continues Mr Wench.

The Rutland Tea Co. will be selling single garden black, green and white teas, as well as rooibos, mate, oolong, sencha and fruit infusions. It also hopes to offer a tea tasting service, for people keen to hold speciality tea parties at home.

At the grand opening this Saturday, Richard and his wife Anna will be offering a 10 percent discount on all teas and free balloons for children. A tea plant from the Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall will also be on display, so customers can see where their tea actually comes from.