Tea Blog

Say what you want about a company that has been in business longer than the United States, but it’s safe to assume they are doing something right. Twinings of London, founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining, remains one of the oldest continuously operating tea companies. More than three centuries later, members of the Twining family are still involved in the business, as outlined in this overview of Stephen Twining’s anniversary tour and the company’s history.

For more background on the founder, see this profile of Thomas Twining and his role in early tea trade development. After Thomas Twining’s death in 1741, his son Daniel continued the family business. Later, Richard Twining—one of Daniel’s sons—joined the trade at a young age and became a key figure in the company’s evolution.

This period was a pivotal time for the tea industry in England. In 1784, the British government dramatically reduced tea taxes, which had previously encouraged widespread smuggling. As chairman of a group of London tea dealers, Richard Twining played an influential role in advocating for this policy change. The reduction made tea more affordable and significantly curtailed the illegal tea trade.

Richard Twining documented his perspective in a 1785 publication. You can explore this historical volume discussing the Tea and Window Act and the broader tea trade, which outlines the economic and regulatory landscape of the time.

In 1793, Twining became a director of the East India Company, a powerful organization that played a major role in the expansion of the global tea trade. This same company had earlier been involved in events such as the Boston Tea Party, highlighting its influence on both commerce and history.

Richard Twining lived to the age of 75, and the family tradition continued as his eldest son assumed leadership of the business, remaining active for several decades.

See also:
A detailed look at Thomas Twining’s impact on the early tea industry
An overview of Twinings’ long history and continued presence in the tea market

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea-related writing by the author.

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