Tea Blog

At just about a century and a quarter old, British tea company Taylors of Harrogate could be considered a relative newcomer—especially compared to other British tea merchants that have been in business for more than 300 years. The company was founded in 1886 when brothers Charles and Llewellyn Taylor began importing tea and coffee. Their well-known Yorkshire Tea brand and its range of traditional British blends was introduced in the 1970s, and today the company claims that millions of cups are consumed daily.

As highlighted in this Yorkshire Post feature on the popularity and modern marketing of Yorkshire Tea, the brand has remained relevant by embracing modern media platforms. The company has built a presence on social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube and has even attracted attention from high-profile music figures.

While Yorkshire Tea is a deeply ingrained and iconic brand in the United Kingdom, it is less widely recognized in the United States. To grow awareness overseas, the company has pursued creative promotional efforts. One notable campaign involved a converted ice cream van—dubbed “The Little Urn”—which traveled across the United States serving tea and introducing the brand to new audiences. The campaign covered thousands of miles and generated a collection of promotional videos, which you can view on the official Yorkshire Tea BrewTube YouTube channel featuring brand campaigns and tea promotions.

The brand’s reputation is further reinforced by its recognition at the highest levels. In 2009, Taylors of Harrogate received a Royal Warrant of Appointment from the Prince of Wales for supplying tea to Clarence House. For more context, see this explanation of Royal Warrants and their significance for British brands, an honor also held by companies such as Twinings.

As an interesting historical aside, this excerpt from a 1901 issue of The Smart Set magazine referencing a traditional Yorkshire tea meal humorously suggests that such a gathering might include “everything eatable in the house on the table.”

See also:
An overview of Taylors of Harrogate’s history and tea expertise

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