add site
services
publishers
database
health videos
toolbar
stats
live show
health store
more stuff
JOIN/LOGIN
| advertise add site services publishers database health videos
| | about toolbar stats live show health store more stuff JOIN/LOGIN |
Twinings (pronounced /ˈtwaɪnɪŋz/) is a marketer of tea based in Andover, Hampshire, England.
[edit] History The founder of Twinings, Thomas Twining, opened the first known tea room, at 216 Strand, London, in 1706, still operating today. The firm's logo, created in 1787, is one of the world's oldest in continuous use.[1] Holder of a Royal Warrant, Twinings has been owned by Associated British Foods since 1964. Twinings sells a variety of regional and flavored teas such as Lapsang Souchong, Lady Grey and Darjeeling, as well as infusions, coffee, and hot chocolate. It is generally accepted that the company was the first to blend Earl Grey in Britain during the premiership of Charles, 2nd Earl Grey, although this is disputed[2] by rival tea merchants Jacksons of Piccadilly,[3] which is owned by Twinings. [edit] Twinings TodayDuring 2005, Twinings introduced its first generic, non-speciality tea, under the brand 'Everyday Tea'. In 2006 they started producing a tinned chocolate drink, and in 2007 they also launched a selection of tinned coffees onto the market. The company is a founding member of the Ethical Tea Partnership,[4] a group of tea-packing companies that work for a fair trade policy and monitor the ethical conditions on tea estates. Twinings owns Nambarrie, a tea company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in trade for 140 years. In April 2008 Twinings announced their decision to close the Nambarrie plant[5]. Twinings said it needed to consolidate its UK manufacturing operations in the face of increasing global competition. On 2nd November 2009 Twinings announced the planned closure of its North Shields plant and cuts at its Andover facility. A new plant is being built in Poland to supply the European markets. Union bosses said the North Shields factory was “very productive” and accused company management of putting profit before job security. Jane Shotton of union Usdaw said “It is extremely disappointing that a company which proudly calls itself Twinings of London is now moving work to Poland". Twinings commented "This is a very difficult but necessary step which will allow Twinings to remain competitive in our markets worldwide and take full advantage of future growth opportunities". The workers have set up a campaign website. [edit] CriticismDespite being a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, Twinings is linked to a host of ethical and environmental issues. The criticism includes the worst ECRA rating for environmental reporting, palm oil use, lobbying for unfair EU sugar rules and for owning subsidiaries in tax havens. In the Ethical Consumer magazine on a scale of 0 to 20 where 0-4 is ranked as Very Poor, Twinings receives a score of 2.[6](As of October 2009. Requires login) [edit] Notable members of the Twining family
[edit] References
[edit] External links
|
| ↑ top of page ↑ | about thumbshots |
