Ringtons has chosen the Port to handle the shipment of 4 million kilos of tea, nough to brew 1.48 billion cups of tea per year. The contract sees Ringtons return to the Tyne for the first time in over 50 years.
The Port of Tyne has a long established relationship with another leading tea manufacturer and it was this expertise that attracted Ringtons to the Port.
“We are able to respond to Ringtons supply chain needs quickly and efficiently. Our location and distribution services mean that containers and tea samples can be brought directly from ship, to warehouse and delivered to Ringtons within hours,” said Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive at the Port of Tyne.
The three year deal will see the Port handle up to 250 containers of tea per year, storing the many different leaf varieties enjoyed by UK households in its warehouse, and distributing tea on demand to the Ringtons factory in Newcastle.
Founded in 1907 Ringtons traditionally shipped tea through the Port of Tyne, where it was brought ashore close to its factory in Newcastle.
Nigel Smith, Chairman and great grandson of Ringtons founder Samuel Smith, said: “This contract with the Port of Tyne will eliminate 100,000 unnecessary road miles per year and improve operational efficiency.”
Some 80,000 kilos of tea will be distributed to Ringtons Newcastle factory by the Port on a weekly basis. Once packaged the tea will be distributed all over the UK; as well as producing their own famous Ringtons blends, Ringtons also produce high quality teas for retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.
The Port of Tyne in North East England is one of the UK’s major deep sea ports – a vital trading gateway to Europe and beyond
Investment of over £120m in the past 10 years has created the infrastructure to deliver continued growth of the Port’s diverse businesses. These include conventional and bulk cargoes, car terminals, cruise and ferries, logistics (containers, warehousing and distribution) and a portfolio of commercial property.
The Port is leading developments in renewable energy and with its asset base and geographical location, is well placed to meet the needs of the emerging offshore wind turbine manufacturing industry