MP meets Sussex tea producer
Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert made a visit to one of the UK's leading tea manufacturers based in the heart of his constituency, in Storrington, on Friday (25 November).
Nick Herbert met with the Only Natural Products owner and Managing Director, Keith Garden and the Storrington team. The company's tea factory is based in Gloucester, but the business is run out of Storrington. Their Sussex address is stamped on every box of tea they produce, which is sold globally.
Only Natural Products are responsible for the production of Dr Stuart's, Higher Living and Kromland Farm brands of teas which are sold across the world to over 40 markets. The MP learnt about how the business has achieved such recognition and growth, and about how the company are even selling their tea blends in China - something that many would regard as ‘the ultimate deal'.
The company are a real success story right here in Sussex, and Keith Garden told Nick Hebert of their future hopes for the business as they tender for new and bigger contracts. They have invested in the very best tea packing machine in their Gloucester production site, and are now blending and packing tea for some other smaller bespoke brands. The business team are also working closely with the UK Trade & Investment board to exhibit at trade shows around the world, and are proudly flying the British flag for a truly UK based production.
The MP sampled one of the flavours of teas from their broad range, which include organic, herbal and traditional blends. These blends are available in supermarkets and health shops, and as the business looks to diversify they are creating specialist products for supplying to coffee shops as well. They have already established an impressive list of partners, many with global brands, and Nick Herbert was interested to hear all about their continued expansion in the export market.
Keith Garden, Managing Director, commented "It was great to meet Nick Herbert and his team, who showed real interest in the expansion of our business. At a time when all other major tea manufacturers are taking production abroad it was important to us to produce in the UK. So to get the support from our local MP was really appreciated."
Nick Herbert commented, "I had a fascinating meeting with Keith and his team, and I learned a lot about the tea trade. It's great to see a local business being so successful in international markets, and I also enjoyed a reviving cup of Dr Stuart's herbal tea!'
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. For more information about Only Natural Products please see the company's website www.teafactory.org.uk
2. For more information about the UKTI, please see the website www.ukti.gov.uk