Tetley and Twinings tea lovers are being hit by price rises as producers and supermarkets pass on an increase in costs for ingredients over the past year.
UK-based retail analyst Mintec warns prices are set to rise by as much as 40 per cent, mainly as a result of falling production in Kenya – the world’s biggest exporter.
Morrisons has raised the price of six Tetley tea lines, with a 100g pack of decaf bags now £2.15, up from £1.76, while a 250g pack is up from £2.60 to £2.85.
A 250g box of Tetley original tea bags rose 23p to £2.65.
The chain also increased the price of more than 20 Twinings products.
A 40g pack of Assam bags went up 25p last month, to £3.25.
It followed a 20p rise for Twinings’ 125g Earl Grey Decaffeinated, to £4.25, and 2p and 3p rises for infusion teas like lemon and ginger.
Other brands costing more at the supermarket include Pukka Herbs, whose lemon, ginger and peppermint flavours are up as much as 50p on average.
A spokeswoman said: “In line with price increases of our highly organic herbs and the premium paid for sourcing fairly and packaging our teas sustainably, the costs have risen and this is reflected in our increased cost prices to retailers.”
Tetley said prices are “at the discretion of retailers” and its tea is still a “great value” product.
