Tea giants square up for summer

A tea war is brewing following extensive new product development from the UK's two largest tea producers.

Both Typhoo and Tetley have made large extensions to their product ranges in a bid to encourage drinkers away from cold drinks during the hotter months of the year. The launches also show both companies' intention to take on the likes of smaller, more speciality tea companies, such as Twinings and Clipper, that have led the growth in the tea sector over the past couple of years.

Typhoo, which is part of Premier Foods, has received its first brand extension in over a decade with a 10-strong range called Fruit & Herb. It comes in varieties including Cherry Charger, Blackcurrant Bracer, Perky Pink Grapefruit and Peppermint Tingle. Two variety packs -- Berry Burst Selection and Tingle Selection -- have also been launched.

"Typhoo Fruit & Herb will drive consumers to reappraise the Typhoo brand and attract both loyal customers and new customers alike," says group marketing director, Howard Beveridge.

Not if Tetley has anything to do with it, however. The company,which a few months ago revamped its struggling Tea:therapy brand, has also launched a new tea range. It consists of 12 new lines -- four speciality teas, two green teas and six fruit and herbal blends.

The teas follow the trend of other premium teas by being packaged in resealable tubes. They are available in Earl Grey, Earl Grey & Vanilla, Assam, and English Breakfast while the fruit teas come in Peppermint Punch, Camomile Smile, Rooibos & Vanilla, Summer Berry Merry, Orange & Peach, and Sweet Cranberry variants.

Both companies' fruit teas have an rsp of 80p for 20 bags.