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Category: Community and Society / Government and Politics / Small Business / Tea Coffee

Brexit sparks tea party for British growers

Monday, 16 Jan 2017 05:26:11 | James Glenday

British tea seller Jonathon Jones says tea sales "shot through the roof" before the Brexit vote. (Supplied: Tregothnan)

A Cornish tea plantation claims Brexit has "boosted" Britain's brand across the globe and led to increased interest in "all things" English.

The Tregothnan estate, which purports to produce "the most British tea in history", says the EU referendum has been very good for business.

"Tea sales just shot through the roof before the [Brexit vote]. Our theory is people were staying for that extra cup to talk with their friends about politics," said Jonathon Jones, the managing director of Trading at Tregothnan.

"Since then we've had a mini-export boom.

"I'm only guessing, but I think people around the world are talking about the UK in the way they haven't for a while."

The low pound, which plunged in value immediately after the referendum, has seen overseas buyers flock to a number of high-end British businesses.

A cup of tea is poured on a picnic surround by British Union Jack pillows. Photo: The Tregothnan estate says the EU referendum has been very good for the tea business. (Supplied: Tregothnan)

But as Mr Jones teaches me the "proper way" to taste tea — apparently you slurp instead of sip to "release the flavours" — he claims there is also a bigger movement underway.

"I know no economists are saying this … but people are interested in Britain again," he said.

"I think people are interested in Britishness again, and British products … and I think, and hope, luxury tea is part of that."

Tea to 'follow coffee' and become 'premium' product

A tea maker blends different dried leaves and flowers. Photo: Jonathan Jones predicts tea will experience its coffee moment and become a premium product. (Supplied: Tregothnan)

Mr Jones predicts more "tea houses" will begin popping up in major western cities over the next few decades, as companies including Australian businesses "make tea a real experience".

"The bulk of the market is being squeezed on price — 80 tea bags for 40 pence (75 cents) — no one is making any money in that," he said.

"People want the ceremony that goes with an afternoon tea, the whole experience. It's that lovely word premiumisation.

"At the top of the market there's this whole new awakening like coffee has seen for 20 years now."

Climate change good for British tea

The Tregothnan plantation is near a saltwater creek in Cornwall, on the south-western tip of England.

It has a relatively mild microclimate and is one of the few places in Britain where tea grows well.

Although it is a quintessentially English beverage, much of the product has always been imported from the subcontinent.

But Mr Jones said climate change had helped the local industry.

"I don't want to be glib about that, but tea absolutely loves it," he said.

"We are plucking tea. We're growing all year round [when] it should be really main season April to October.

"If we get mild winters that's good for us."

A thriving tea plantation in Cornwall. Photo: The Tregothnan plantation in Cornwall has been growing "all year round", Jonathan Jones says. (Supplied: Tregothnan)

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