Member Article

Jack Charlton-branded Northumberland Tea strikes deal to supply Tesco

A Northumberland couple have landed a deal to supply Britain’s biggest supermarket chain with their tea, promoted by football legend Jack Charlton.

Bill and Helen Logan’s Northumberland Tea is to be stocked in 66 Tesco stories stores across the North East.

Initially Tesco indicated it would only be going into 28 stores, but buyers were so impressed with the triple blend of Assam, Kenyan and Sri Lankan (Ceylonese) teas, that another 38 outlets were quickly added to the portfolio.

The couple’s tea will be fronted by Ashington-born Jack Charlton with the slogan “the best cup since 1966” - alluding to the part Charlton played in England’s famous World Cup win.

Bill Logan said: “It is phenomenal that Tesco has recognised the excellence and appeal of the brand. We are taking a leap into the unknown but we are confident Northumberland Tea will sell.

“We feel there is room out there in the world of tea for a company like ours and we are particularly proud of its high quality.

“It would be fantastic if the brand could become as well-known as Yorkshire Tea.”

Bill and Helen hope the Tesco deal will help secure sales of the drink beyond the North East.

Orders are now coming in from as far afield as Germany, New Zealand and Canada as well as other parts of the UK as holidaymakers who have developed a taste for it on their travels North stock-up on supplies.

Jack Charlton, 78, is a fan of the cuppa and says his family and friends now all drink it.

He is particularly pleased that Northumberland Tea is keeping fellow footballer and friend Sir Bobby Robson’s memory and legacy alive.

He said: “When Bill and Helen asked if I would help out with the tea that was going to help raise money for Bob’s charity, I was more than happy to do so.

“I liked Bob; he was a good lad, a good friend of mine. We first met as footballers while we were both at school and were friends for over 50 years.

“Bob coped so well while he was ill. I never heard him complain once – he just got on with it.”

The Logans were prompted to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation after Helen’s parents both died from cancer. Her father, Michael, who passed away at the age of 70 in July 2011, took part in the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation cancer research trials.

With the Tesco deal under their belt, Bill and Helen are looking to launch their own blend of Earl Grey – the great British reformer’s ancestral seat was at Howick Hall near Alnwick, Northumberland – and perhaps even a special blend coffee.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .