Northern Irish tea blender marks 10 years of Great Taste awards

Thompson's Family Teas in Northern Ireland is celebrating continuous success over 10 years in the Great Taste Awards.

Based in Belfast, the company, best known for its Punjana brand, has struck gold in the prestigious awards every year for the past decade and is now the UK's most 'decorated' independent tea blender.

Thompsons Family Teas, which are today still blended by cousins, Ross and David Thompson, at their state of the art tea blending facility in Belfast, has picked up over 100 awards over the past 10 years. Each blend is taste tested by a Thompson to ensure that it meets the standards of quality which have been part of the Thompson Family's passion for over 120 years.

Ross Thompson, joint managing director, says: 'To win a Great Taste Award is one thing but for Punjana to win every year for the past 10 is something really special and is acknowledgement of our passion for producing the highest quality teas in the world. Only the best leaves, which are highly prized and command a greater price, find their way into Thompson's blends, even our everyday Punjana blend.

"As a family we remain focused on sourcing the highest quality tea leaves, and simply can't be persuaded to do it any other way."

Punjana was born and blended in Belfast in 1896 and started its journey when founder Robert S Thompson trained in the art of tea tasting and quickly became known for his uncompromising devotion to quality.

Today, the business continues under the leadership of 3rd generation Thompsons, who share in its founder's passion for selecting only the best quality and select teas from the very finest gardens in Assam, Kenya and beyond.

Recently Punjana was once again crowned Northern Ireland's favourite product in The People's Choice Award as voted by the public at this year's prestigious Northern Ireland food & Drink Awards.

Thompson's range of exotic loose teas have been chosen to be served in some of Northern Ireland's most iconic locations including the Titanic Ballroom, National Trust properties and Hastings luxury hotels.

Pic Ross and David Thompson of Thompson's Family Teas