Tea brands spotlight ethics - 20|02|2006

Millions of tea packs to carry ETP web details ...

Millions of packs of tea reaching supermarket shelves over the coming months will be carrying new information inviting consumers to find out more about the ethical standards behind our nation's favourite drink.

The companies responsible are those producing many of the UK's and Europe's major tea brands (see list below).  All are members of the Ethical Tea Partnership – a  non commercial alliance that monitors the living and working conditions of tea workers around the world.

And now -- progressively as production schedules permit their tea packs are introducing an invitation to consumers to:
"Find out more about our membership of: www.ethicalteapartnership.org  working for a responsible tea industry."

Gavin Bailey, executive director of the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP), says: "Increasingly consumers want to know that what they eat and drink is ethically produced. By including the ETP's website address on their packs our member companies are inviting consumers to find out more about what we are doing."  

The on-pack initiative is being supported by other materials including leaflets for consumers, retailers, caterers and wholesalers which can be downloaded from the Ethical Tea Partnership website.  And ETP members supplying the foodservice industry will be introducing leaflets, tent cards and other materials during the course of the year.

The ETP covers 50 tea brands in 30 countries including Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.  It independently monitors six key areas of tea estate life: employment (including minimum age and wage levels), education, maternity, health and safety, housing and basic rights.

The 17 UK and overseas members of Ethical Tea Partnership are:  Accord Tea Services Ltd, Matthew Algie & Co Ltd, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate Ltd, D J Miles & Co Ltd, Drie Mollen, Finlay Beverages Limited, Imporient UK Ltd, Keith Spicer Ltd, Metropolitan Tea Co Ltd, The Nambarrie Tea Company Ltd, Sara Lee/DE, The Tetley Group, R Twining & Company Ltd, Unilever (Europe), Tazo Tea Company, Williamson Fine Teas Ltd, The Windmill Tea Co Ltd.

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