One of the UK’s top tea makers, Tetley Tea, has announced that it is closely monitoring tea supplies on a daily basis as imports enter a “critical period”. The company, which supplies tea bags to supermarkets in the UK and exports worldwide, has said that supplies are currently “much tighter” than it would like due to disruption in the Red Sea. However, Tetley is confident that it can continue to meet normal demand, although the amount it can hold in stock as a buffer may decrease. Market leader Yorkshire Tea has also acknowledged the shipping disruptions and is monitoring the situation closely.
Although Sainsbury’s has issued warnings about the availability of black tea, other supermarket chains have not reported any problems. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called the disruption a “temporary” issue and does not expect significant challenges for consumers. The United Kingdom Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA), which represents over 90% of all tea sold in the UK, has reassured shoppers that their favourite tea brands will continue to be available, as its members have reported “good stocks” of tea.
The import of tea, like many other products, has been affected by attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen. Despite efforts by UK and US armed forces to prevent attacks on western shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, imports into the UK and Europe are still being disrupted. Many shipping companies are choosing to take alternative routes via South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, which adds time and expense to their journeys.
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