Twinings was established in 1706 when Thomas Twining purchased Tom’s Coffee House on The Strand in London. During the early 18th century, coffee was England’s dominant hot beverage, while tea remained a luxury product imported from China. Recognizing tea’s growing popularity, Twining began serving and selling loose-leaf tea to customers. His dedication to quality quickly distinguished the business from competitors. [2]

As demand increased, the coffee house evolved into The Golden Lyon, Britain’s first known specialist tea shop. Remarkably, the original Twinings shop at 216 Strand, London, still operates today, making it one of London’s oldest continuously operating commercial establishments. [3]

Twinings has enjoyed a close relationship with the British Royal Family for nearly two centuries. In 1837, Queen Victoria granted Twinings its first Royal Warrant, officially recognizing it as a supplier of tea to the royal household. The company has continued supplying tea to successive British monarchs and has maintained this distinction into the present day. [4]

One of Twinings’ most distinctive features is its iconic logo, designed in 1787. It is widely recognized as the oldest company logo in continuous commercial use anywhere in the world. The logo has remained largely unchanged for over 230 years, reflecting the brand’s commitment to tradition and heritage. [5]

Twinings offers an extensive range of beverages, including:

• Black teas

• English Breakfast

• Earl Grey

• Lady Grey

• Assam

• Darjeeling

• Ceylon

• Green teas

• Pure Green Tea

• Jasmine Green Tea

• Lemon Green Tea

• Herbal infusions

• Chamomile

• Peppermint

• Lemon & Ginger

• Rooibos

• Hibiscus

• Fruit infusions

• Mixed Berry

• Peach & Orange

• Apple & Cinnamon

• Various seasonal blends

• Wellness teas

• Digest

• Sleep

• Defence

• Glow

• Superblends

In addition to tea, Twinings also produces coffee, hot chocolate, malt drinks, and other specialty beverages in selected markets. [6]

English Breakfast

One of Twinings’ flagship teas, English Breakfast is a robust blend of black teas from regions such as India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. It is designed to pair well with milk and sugar and remains one of the company’s best-selling products. [7]

Earl Grey

Twinings is especially famous for Earl Grey, a black tea flavored with natural oil of bergamot. According to the company’s history, the blend originated in the 19th century and has become one of the world’s most recognizable flavored teas. Twinings also developed Lady Grey, a lighter variation incorporating citrus peel. [8]

Twinings products are sold in more than 100 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. The company offers regional product ranges tailored to local tastes while maintaining consistent quality standards. [9]

Twinings sources tea leaves and botanicals from many of the world’s leading tea-growing regions, including:

• India

• Sri Lanka

• Kenya

• China

• Japan

• Indonesia

• Malawi

• Argentina

The company’s master blenders taste thousands of cups of tea each week to ensure every blend maintains consistent flavor, aroma, and quality. [10]

Twinings operates a responsible sourcing program known as Sourced with Care, which focuses on:

• Supporting tea-growing communities

• Improving worker welfare

• Empowering women and young people

• Promoting sustainable agriculture

• Protecting the environment

• Improving access to clean water and sanitation

The company also works with organizations across the tea supply chain to improve social and environmental outcomes. [11]

Since 1964, Twinings has been part of Associated British Foods (ABF), one of the world’s largest food manufacturers. Although owned by a multinational corporation, Twinings continues to market itself as a heritage British tea brand rooted in centuries of tea craftsmanship. [12]

Over more than 300 years, Twinings has become a symbol of British tea culture. Its long history, enduring branding, royal recognition, and commitment to blending expertise have made it one of the most respected tea brands globally. The original Twinings shop on London’s Strand remains open as both a retail store and a historical landmark, embodying the company’s enduring legacy. [13]

1. Twinings

2. The History of Twinings Tea – Over 300 Years of Heritage – Twinings

3. Geschichte von Twinings – wie alles Begann | Twinings.de

4. History – Twinings North America

5. Sourced with Care – Twinings Responsible Sourcing Programme

6. Twinings History: 320 Years On The Strand

7. Sourced with Care – Twinings North America

8. Twinings Moment Philippines

9. Nossa historia

10. History – Twinings.ca

11. Twiningsin historia | Twinings

12. 100 Years of Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership – Twinings

13. Histoire – twinings.fr