Teabag shortage fears sees Brits scramble for bags after strike at Tetley’s factory sparks surge in sales
BRITS have been scrambling for tea bags after strikes at Tetley’s factory sparked fears of a shortage.
After last week’s news of a potential tea drought, thousands rushed to supermarkets to secure their beloved cuppa.
The alarm was triggered when almost 150 GMB members working at Tata Consumer Products, which makes Tetley Tea in Teesside, announced they would lay down tools in anger at “poverty pay” on Friday and Monday.
The factory is Tetley’s biggest in the world, and it supplies 30 percent of the UK’s tea.
As panic-buying kicked in, Iceland Foods and The Food Warehouse supermarkets reported a dramatic surge in sales.
On Thursday alone, Tetley’s original bag sales shot up by 100 per cent compared to the previous day.
And over the following four days, sales of Tetley’s tea, decaf, peppermint, and green tea bags spiked by 250 per cent compared to the previous week.
More than a million tea bags were sold, driven by offers on peppermint and green tea, according to the supermarket chain.
An Iceland spokesperson said: “Britain loves a brew and the threat of a tea shortage sparked some small panic amongst shoppers over the past four days.
“As soon as the news broke that there could be a tea shortage, our customers immediately made sure they were fully stocked, just in case stock levels drop.”
They also reassured shoppers they have enough stock for Britain’s brews, adding: “Fear not tea drinkers, despite the rush, we still have enough tea bags in stock to keep Britain’s thirst quenched. Whether it’s Tetley’s, Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips or Typhoo, we have a proper brew waiting for you!”
Members of the GMB union at the Eaglescliffe factory, near Stockton, voted to take industrial action after being offered a 4.4 percent pay rise, compared to the 7 per cent they received last year.
Tata Consumer Products said: “We are disappointed with the decision to strike particularly when we have two offers on the table.
“We are not immune to the difficult economic circumstances facing families and businesses, but we do believe the pay award offers made by us to be fair.”
It is not the first time fears of a tea shortage hits Britain.
Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s cautioned shoppers in some stores that there are “nationwide” problems which could impact the availability of black tea.
But retail bosses have said the problems are “temporary” and stressed that the impact on consumers is expected to be “minimal”.
A sign in one Sainsbury’s store read: “We are experiencing supply issues affecting the nationwide supply of black tea.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to be back in full supply soon.”