As we come to the end of another busy and amazing year we thought it would be good to pull together a round up of this year to celebrate all of our achievements, successes and trips.
Thank you as always to all of our amazing customers for your support again we really couldn’t do it without you.
January – We had the most incredible start to the year with our visit to China to take part in the 15th China Global Tea Fair. We were there to spread the word about how the face of tea in the UK is changing. James was also asked to join an international panel of consultants to give advice to Chinese companies who need to navigate the minefield of exporting teas to the UK tea market.
February – Northern Tea Merchants got a mention in a brand-new book – Secret Chesterfield by Richard Bradley which is packed full of tales of remarkable people, unusual events, local folklore, delicacies and tucked away historical buildings in the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield where our HQ is based.
March – Northern Tea Merchants’ James Pogson, was named Chesterfield Champion of the Week. We’re proud to be based in Chesterfield and we recognise that a lot of what we do is made possible by being based in this brilliant town, so it was an honour to be able to share our passion in the Derbyshire Times.
April – In celebration of UK Coffee Week we launched a competition to win a hamper containing our: Detarra Sweet Yellow Coffee, Indian Monsooned Malabar, Sumatra Lintong Coffee, Colombian Medellin Excelso Coffee, Fairtrade Colombian Expocafe Coffee and Kenya Blue Mountain Coffee!
May – We got shortlisted in the Chesterfield Retail Awards for both Retailer and Food & Drink Retailer of the Year! Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the event celebrates excellence in Chesterfield’s retail sector – keep reading for the result!
June – We won! Northern Tea Merchants was officially named Chesterfield’s Food & Drink retailer of the year. We were thrilled to accept the award for the second year running and want to share congratulations to the other 15 businesses that also took home awards that night.
July – We got yet another glowing mention from The Sticky Beak blog recommending our afternoon tea! Read the article here.
August – We were lucky enough to visit Peru during August 2018 on a mission to find the best cocoa and coffee suppliers available. We embarked on 20-hour flights, treacherous roads and met several very important people in the hot drink world and Peru – all in the name of good beans!
September – A lot had been going on behind the scenes on our website in 2018… And in September we finally got to lift the veil on our brand-new website! We hope you like the new design – take a look and explore our huge range of delicious blends.
October – The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants’ cake supplier, The Bakehouse – cakes, pies, puds has been recognised with a Great Taste Award! We already knew just how wonderful The Bakehouse’s cakes are from the rave reviews they receive from our happy customers.
November – We were delighted to take part yet again in the Festival of Christmas Trees at the world famous Crooked Spire. This year was back bigger than ever with over 100 beautifully decorated trees from local businesses, charities and community groups on display at the festival.
December – Very privileged to have received a Christmas card which enclosed two invites to China for March and November 2019, from Mr Cai Jun (who is responsible for all of the tea in China!) and Prof. Yu Lu (Head of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce).
Finally we have packed just shy of 40 tonnes of tea, coffee and drinking chocolates this month or will have done by Friday 21 December!!
Personally I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff here at Northern Tea Merchants who have worked extremely hard to make this happen and wish that you all enjoy a well-deserved break. Also, to all of our customers who continue to support us and make these figures possible. With warmest festive best wishes to you all – here’s to 2019!
