About Twinings
Twinings is Britain's most historic tea brand, founded by Thomas Twining in 1706 when he opened the country's first known tea room at 216 Strand, London - premises the company still occupies today, making Twinings London's longest-standing ratepayer. The firm's logo, created in 1787, is the world's oldest in continuous use, reflecting over three centuries of tea expertise. Now owned by Associated British Foods (who acquired the company for £2 million in 1964), Twinings trades as 'Twinings of London' from its headquarters in Andover, Hampshire. The royal connection to Twinings began in 1711 when Queen Anne, a notable tea enthusiast, appointed Thomas Twining her official purveyor of teas. In 1837, Queen Victoria granted Twinings their first official Royal Warrant for tea, appointing them supplier to her household. The brand has held a Royal Warrant from every successive British monarch since, representing an unbroken line of royal endorsement spanning over 180 years. Twinings' most famous blend, Earl Grey, has a distinguished origin story. In 1831, Prime Minister Charles Grey asked Twinings to reproduce a tea recipe he had received, making it available for public enjoyment. The distinctive bergamot-flavoured black tea became known as Earl Grey, named in honour of the Prime Minister. In 2024, Alexander Grey, the current 8th Earl Grey, officially endorsed Twinings as the original Earl Grey blend, cementing the brand's authentic claim to this iconic tea. The Twinings product range spans multiple tea categories. Their black tea collection includes the flagship English Breakfast - a robust, full-bodied blend perfect for the British tradition of tea with milk. Earl Grey remains the premium choice for those seeking bergamot's distinctive citrus notes. Lady Grey offers a lighter, more delicate alternative with orange and lemon peel. Assam, Darjeeling, and single-origin teas cater to connoisseurs seeking specific terroir characteristics. Green tea has become an increasingly important category, with Twinings offering pure green tea alongside flavoured variants like Green Tea with Jasmine, Green Tea with Lemon, and Green Tea with Mint. These cater to health-conscious consumers seeking the antioxidant benefits associated with green tea. The herbal and fruit infusions range provides caffeine-free options for any time of day. Peppermint, Camomile, and Lemon & Ginger represent classic herbal choices. The Superblends range combines functional ingredients targeting specific wellness benefits like sleep, energy, or immunity. Cold Infuse products offer fruit-based flavours designed for cold water, expanding Twinings beyond traditional hot beverages. Beyond tea, Twinings produces hot chocolate, coffee, and malt drinks including the heritage brand Ovaltine (also owned by Associated British Foods). This portfolio positions Twinings as a comprehensive hot beverages provider. Twinings tea is available at all major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons, as well as premium retailers and specialist tea shops. Using Grocefully to compare Twinings prices across retailers ensures you find the best deals on Britain's most storied tea brand.