About Tetley
Tetley: Britain's Tea Innovation Pioneer Since 1837 Introduction to Tetley Tetley has spent more than 180 years crafting the perfect cuppa, pioneering innovations that transformed how Britain drinks tea. From introducing tea bags to the UK in 1953 to revolutionising with the round tea bag in 1989, Tetley has consistently made great tea more convenient and enjoyable. Now the second-biggest-selling tea brand in the United Kingdom and present in over 40 countries worldwide, Tetley combines Yorkshire heritage with global reach. Whether you prefer classic black tea, refreshing green tea, or caffeine-free herbal infusions, Tetley delivers quality that millions trust every day. At Grocefully, we help you compare Tetley prices across UK retailers, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite tea at the best available prices. Whether you need Original tea bags, green tea, herbal infusions, or decaf varieties, price comparison helps you stock your tea caddy for less. The Tetley Story: From Yorkshire Salt Sellers to Global Tea Brand Tetley's journey represents remarkable British commercial evolution. Yorkshire Beginnings In 1822, two brothers — Joseph and Edward Tetley — started selling salt from a pack horse in Yorkshire. This humble door-to-door trade established the entrepreneurial foundation that would eventually transform British tea drinking. As they travelled Yorkshire's roads, the brothers began selling tea alongside salt. The tea business proved so successful that it demanded full attention. 1837: Joseph Tetley & Co. Having found success with tea sales, the brothers set up as tea merchants trading as "Joseph Tetley & Co." in 1837. This formal establishment marks Tetley's official founding — now over 180 years ago. The Yorkshire base provided access to industrial cities where growing populations sought affordable, quality tea. London Relocation In 1856, the Tetleys relocated to London and established "Joseph Tetley & Company, Wholesale Tea Dealers." This move to the capital positioned the company at the heart of British commerce and the global tea trade. London's status as a tea trading centre provided access to supplies from across the British Empire. Family Evolution A decade after the London move, Edward exited the business to launch a brewery venture. Joseph renamed the company and continued building the tea trade. In 1871, Joseph's son Joseph Tetley Junior joined the enterprise. Under this second generation, Tetley diversified into tea blending and packing, establishing the value-added processing that distinguished branded tea from commodity trading. American Expansion The 1871 development also saw Tetley establish presence in America, beginning international expansion that continues today. The US market would prove particularly significant for Tetley's tea bag innovations. 1953: Tea Bags Come to Britain Tetley was the first company to sell tea in tea bags in the United Kingdom in 1953. This American innovation, adapted for British tastes, transformed how the nation consumed its favourite beverage. Tea bags made brewing faster, cleaner, and more consistent — addressing modern lifestyles whilst maintaining quality. Tetley's pioneering courage established market leadership that endures. 1989: The Round Tea Bag Revolution In 1989, following extensive consumer tests establishing Britons' preferences, Tetley launched the round tea bag. This shape innovation improved brewing by allowing tea leaves more room to infuse, releasing fuller flavour. The round bag became synonymous with Tetley, distinguishing the brand visually whilst delivering genuine quality improvement. Global Scale By 1990, with yearly production of 20 billion tea bags, Tetley was second worldwide only to Lipton. This extraordinary scale reflected British tea consumption and international expansion success. Corporate Changes The company passed through various owners: 1973: Acquired by J. Lyons and Co. to form Lyons-Tetley Subsequent mergers: Became part of Allied Lyons, then Allied Domecq 1995: Management buy-out created The Tetley Group Each transition maintained brand integrity whilst accessing resources for continued growth. Tata Acquisition In February 2000, India's Tata Group bought The Tetley Group for two hundred and seventy-one million pounds. This represented one of the largest overseas acquisitions by an Indian company at that time. Many called this "the audacious acquisition of a global shark by an Indian minnow" — Tata Tea acquiring a company nearly four times its net worth. The deal demonstrated emerging market companies' growing global ambitions. Tata Consumer Products Today Formerly Tata Global Beverages Limited, Tata Consumer Products formed in February 2020 when consumer products business of Tata Chemicals merged with Tata Global Beverages. Tetley joined a portfolio including Tata Tea, becoming part of a global beverages and foods company whilst maintaining its British brand identity. The Tetley Product Range Tetley offers comprehensive tea solutions for every preference. Tetley Original The classic British tea: Tetley Original Tea Bags: The flagship product that has served British cups for decades. Rich, satisfying black tea perfect for everyday drinking. Available in various pack sizes from 40 bags through to catering packs of hundreds, Tetley Original suits every household and workplace. Decaffeinated Options Full flavour without caffeine: Tetley Decaf Tea Bags: All the taste of Tetley Original without caffeine. Perfect for evenings, caffeine-sensitive individuals, and those reducing caffeine intake. Decaf options allow tea lovers to enjoy their favourite drink any time without sleep concerns. Green Tea Range Healthy, flavourful alternatives: Tetley Pure Green Tea: Master blenders hand-select finest tea leaves from around the world. Naturally smooth and mellow — "Zen in a mug." Tetley Decaf Green Tea: Smooth taste of Tetley Pure Green Tea without caffeine. Green tea appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking antioxidant benefits whilst enjoying traditional tea ritual. Fruit and Herbal Infusions Caffeine-free variety: Fresh Mint: Refreshing herbal option. Zingy Lemon & Ginger: Warming, aromatic blend. Raspberry & Pomegranate: Fruity, sweet infusion. Pure Camomile: Calming bedtime option. These caffeine-free infusions serve those seeking variety or avoiding caffeine entirely. Super Fruits Range Functional wellness teas: Tetley Super Fruits Immune Peach & Orange: Bursting with flavour and packed with vitamin C to support immune system. Super Fruits combines great taste with added wellness benefits. Redbush (Rooibos) Naturally caffeine-free: Tetley Redbush Tea Bags: Naturally caffeine-free using highest quality ingredients. The South African rooibos offers distinctive flavour without caffeine. Speciality Teas Premium options: Various speciality blends for discerning tea drinkers seeking particular flavour profiles or origins. Catering and Foodservice Professional formats: String and tag tea bags for hospitality Envelope tea bags for hotels and cafés Catering packs for workplace and institutional use Various formats serving diverse professional needs Quality and Expertise Understanding Tetley's approach explains consumer trust. 180 Years of Expertise Over 180 years of tea expertise inform every Tetley product. This heritage encompasses sourcing knowledge, blending skill, and understanding of what makes great tea. Master Blenders Tetley master blenders hand-select finest tea leaves from around the world. This human expertise ensures consistent quality regardless of natural variation in tea crops. Innovation Heritage From first UK tea bags (1953) to round tea bags (1989), Tetley has consistently improved how Britain drinks tea. This innovation culture continues developing products that meet evolving consumer needs. Global Sourcing, Consistent Quality Worldwide tea sourcing with centralised quality control ensures Tetley delivers consistent taste regardless of supply chain complexity. Shopping for Tetley in the UK Tetley enjoys universal UK distribution. Major Supermarkets Tesco: Comprehensive Tetley range Sainsbury's: Full tea selection Morrisons: Core Tetley products Asda: Wide Tetley availability All major supermarkets: Extensive coverage Convenience Stores Co-op, Spar, and independent convenience stores stock popular Tetley variants. Online Retailers Amazon UK: Full Tetley range Supermarket delivery: All major supermarkets deliver Tetley Specialist British export shops: Tetley available worldwide Workplace Suppliers Office supply companies provide Tetley for workplace tea points. Understanding Tetley Pricing Tetley occupies mainstream branded positioning in tea. Brand Value Tetley prices exceed supermarket own-label tea but remain accessible. The premium reflects 180 years of expertise, consistent quality, and brand trust. Pack Size Economics Larger packs offer significant per-bag savings. Household packs of 240 or more bags suit regular tea drinkers, whilst smaller packs serve occasional use. Promotional Frequency Tea frequently features in supermarket promotions. Multi-buy offers and temporary reductions make stocking up sensible — tea bags store well. Range Positioning Different ranges occupy different price points: Tetley Original: Core accessible pricing Green Tea: Moderate premium Speciality: Higher premium Choose according to preference and budget. Practical Tips for Tetley Shoppers Buy Bigger Packs For regular tea drinkers, larger packs offer substantially better per-bag value. Calculate consumption and buy appropriately. Stock During Offers Tea stores well in cool, dry conditions. Stock up during promotional periods for ongoing savings. Try Green and Herbal Beyond Original, explore Tetley's green and herbal ranges. Variety adds interest to daily tea routines. Consider Decaf For evening drinking or caffeine management, keep Tetley Decaf alongside regular tea. Workplace Purchasing For workplace tea points, catering packs offer significant savings over retail-sized boxes. Tetley in British Tea Culture Tetley holds genuine place in British tea tradition. The Tea Bag Revolution Tetley brought tea bags to Britain, fundamentally changing how the nation drinks tea. This convenience innovation made great tea accessible to busy modern lifestyles. Round Bag Recognition The distinctive round tea bag became British cultural icon. Tetley's shape innovation distinguished the brand whilst delivering genuine quality improvement. Second-Biggest Selling As the UK's second-biggest selling tea brand, Tetley commands significant market presence. Millions of British cups daily contain Tetley tea. Yorkshire Heritage The Yorkshire founding story resonates with British consumers valuing regional heritage. From pack horse traders to global brand, Tetley's journey represents British commercial success. Conclusion From Joseph and Edward Tetley selling tea from Yorkshire pack horses to a global brand in over 40 countries, Tetley demonstrates how innovation and quality build lasting success. The 1953 tea bag introduction and 1989 round bag revolution transformed British tea drinking. Now part of Tata Consumer Products whilst maintaining British brand identity, Tetley combines 180 years of expertise with modern global resources. The master blenders continue selecting finest teas, ensuring every cup meets the quality standards established in 1837. Whether you reach for Original tea bags, explore Green Tea's health benefits, enjoy herbal infusions' variety, or appreciate Decaf's evening suitability, Tetley delivers expertise refined across nearly two centuries. Using Grocefully to compare Tetley prices across UK retailers helps you keep your tea caddy stocked at the best available prices. For tea lovers appreciating quality, heritage, and innovation, Tetley remains Britain's trusted choice for the perfect cuppa.