Peel Ports lures tea giant north

British tea brand Typhoo is increasing the volume of its UK imports that are handled through the Port of Liverpool in a bid to reduce road miles and costs.

Since summer 2011 Typhoo has routed around 30% of the tea it imports to the UK via the Port of Liverpool, compared with just 10% in 2010.

In 2012 it is estimated that this will increase to at least 45% of all its UK tea imports, subject to major shipping line agreements. Historically, Typhoo Tea routed 95% of its cargo through southern UK ports and then road hauled to the North West.

Paul McCoy, business manager imports and exports at Peel Ports, said: "Liverpool is the most centrally positioned deep-sea port in the UK, ideally situated to serve all cargo bound for Northern Britain by optimising the supply chain, and we are delighted that this has been recognised by Typhoo Tea.

"By looking at the integrated ship-to-door logistics costs, we not only optimise the transport leg from port to store, but also offer an efficient onward transport journey as Liverpool is closest to the consumer."

Typhoo launched a sustainability plan back in 2010 and has been reviewing ways to reduce the company's impact on the environment. The importing of the tea the company uses in a sustainable way is a critical plank in the plan and Typhoo was looking for further ways of reducing carbon emissions in this element of its supply chain.

Keith Packer, chief executive of Typhoo Tea, said: "The partnership with Peel Ports has enabled us to deliver a key part of our sustainability plan and we will continue to work closely with them as our business grows. It is also key to Typhoo that we are supporting another local business to grow through a mutually beneficial relationship."