14 February 2024 , 12:57
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The two biggest tea firms in the UK say they are monitoring the situation in the Red Sea carefully, amid warnings of shortages.
Yorkshire Tea and Tetley are both looking at the impact of disruption on their supplies. Market leader Yorkshire Tea said: "Unfortunately, the ongoing shipping disruptions are affecting the grocery category... we're monitoring the situation closely."
Meanwhile Tetley, which is owned by Tata Consumer Products, said while it believed it could deliver enough products to shoppers, they are aware the situation requires its attention. It said while its current production levels were not changing, the amount it was able to hold in stock as a buffer would drop due to the Red Sea attacks.
A spokeswoman said: "At the moment it's much tighter than we would like it to be but we're pretty confident we can maintain supply levels. Our priority is to maintain our consistent high levels of service, based on ordered & forecasted demand. We believe we can continue to deliver this, but acknowledge that this is a critical period which requires our constant attention."
Supply issues meant Sainsbury’s has recently put up signs in some of its sores cautioning shoppers that there are “nationwide” problems which could impact the availability of black tea. Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “There is temporary disruption to some black tea lines, but the impact on consumers will be minimal as retailers are not expecting significant challenges.”
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Weeks of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea have disrupted shipping in the Suez Canal, which carries 12% of global container traffic. Many shipping companies are opting to avoid this route, instead sailing via South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope which is making journeys longer and more expensive. This has been partly to blame for the supply problems with Sainsbury's tea.
Tea is by far the most popular drink consumed in the UK, with over 100 million cups being consumed in the country every day according to the UK Tea and Infusions Association. However, Chief executive Sharon Hall said tea drinkers should not be alarmed by the news of potential shortages. She said: "Shoppers should not be concerned; their favourite tea brands will continue to be available."