Tetley adds Rainforest Alliance certification to its tea

The manufacturer and distributor of tea has committed to purchasing all of the tea for its branded teabag and loose tea products from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. All Tetley branded black, green and red (Rooibos) tea, including flavoured and decaffeinated varieties, will be part of the certification programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2016. The first certified products will be available for the UK foodservice channel from April 2010. Tetley products sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms will then become more widely available in the UK and Canada early in 2011, followed by launches in other key markets including the US, Australia and mainland Europe from 2012. Peter Unsworth, chief executive officer, said: "Our consumers will be able to enjoy their favourite Tetley blend knowing it has been produced in a way that respects the environment and the tea growers and pickers. We are delighted to be working with the Rainforest Alliance and Sustainable Agriculture Network who are well positioned to support a brand with the scale and reach of Tetley." Responding to Tetley's announcement, Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance, added: "We welcome this commitment from Tetley wholeheartedly. Tea farmers have faced many challenges, but working together we can make industry-wide changes to ensure positive environmental and social practices, and give consumers what they really want – reassurance that their cup of tea benefits both farmers and the land."