The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported a “temporary disruption” to some black tea lines
Britain's beloved tea-drinking tradition faces potential disruption as the supermarket industry warns of supply risks due to disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea. Reuters reported.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported a “temporary disruption” to some black tea lines, with delays seen in flavored varieties, raising concerns about potential shortages.
While major supermarket groups currently display extensive tea offerings on their websites, industry warnings suggest the duration of disruptions to Red Sea shipping will determine whether consumers will find empty shelves across Europe. This is the first food-related warning following disruption caused by attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia.
As the world's fifth largest tea importer, Britain relies heavily on the Red Sea route for more than half of the tea it imports from Kenya and India. The Institute of Export and International Trade (IEIT) reveals that the UK processes and packages raw tea, making it the tenth largest exporter of tea globally.
Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, assures that the impact on consumers will be minimal, saying: “There is a temporary interruption to some black tea lines, but the impact on consumers will be minimal as retailers do not significant challenges await.”
While industry sources acknowledge some delays, they do not foresee significant shortages. IEIT Director General Marco Forgione suggests that tea could be the precursor to other items affected by the current supply chain crisis.
The alternative sea route around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope poses a longer journey, potentially adding 10 to 14 days compared to the Red Sea and Suez Canal route. Clothing retailers Next, Pepco Group, Primark and Matalan also warned of potential disruptions to Red Sea shipments.
