Birchall Tea, the premium British tea brand, is entering a major new phase of growth following a £7 million investment in its fully solar-powered tea factory and automated packing facility in Amesbury, Wiltshire.
The facility is now open and operational.
A five-generation family business, Birchall is now targeting £10 million turnover by 2026/27, with a further £1 million investment planned over the next 12 months, including its first major TV campaign on ITV, as it looks to accelerate expansion across retail, hospitality and international markets to keep up with demand.
Already stocked by retailers including Ocado and Booths, Birchall secured major new partnerships with Waitrose and British Airways in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. British Airways selected Birchall following a rigorous blind taste testing process as part of a competitive tender, with Birchall unanimously chosen by the airline.
With more than 150 years of experience in the tea trade, the group is one of the world’s largest exporters of East African tea, shipping around 50 million kilos annually (the UK consumes around 70 million kilos annually).
Birchall’s vertically integrated supply chain, from direct relationships with growers to its own UK packing facilities, allows the company to maintain quality and freshness while supporting long-term sustainability goals. The brand’s tea bags are made from biodegradable and compostable plant-based materials, while its Wiltshire factory is powered entirely by solar energy.
All 16 of Birchall’s core products have received Great Taste Awards.
Daniel Graham, Birchall’s Managing Director, said, “We’re on a mission to bring the world the best-tasting, sustainably produced tea at a fair price. Our flagship breakfast blend, Great Rift, is now the UK’s most awarded tea for taste.”
He added, “For decades, tea in the UK has been driven by a race to the bottom on price, often at the expense of quality. We’ve deliberately taken a different approach, since good tea is worth paying more for.”
A large proportion of Birchall’s business currently comes from the hospitality sector, with growing consumer demand through retail and direct-to-consumer channels. The company is also exploring further export growth opportunities in markets including the US, Europe, Asia and Australia.
For more information, visit: birchalltea.co.uk
Pictured: (Top of page) The factory in Amesbury (IMAGE: Birchall Tea)
