Tea Blender to Grow Tea in Northern Ireland

Suki Tea, based in Belfast, has placed an order for 2,000 tea plants from Tanzania with the aim of growing them on land at Portaferry in County Down.

Portaferry was chosen because it has a virtually frost-free climate, thanks to natural inlets. There are also plans to build an on-site tea room and exhibition space.

Oscar Woolley, managing director of Suki Tea, said, “We believe that Portaferry could be an ideal location for growing tea because there’s a micro-climate there – a sheltered environment that’s moderated by nearby Strangford Lough, the largest natural inlet in the British Isles.

“Our decision to push ahead with the project is based on extensive research, analysis of the soil at Portaferry and time working with our suppliers in Tanzania to learn how best to grow tea in Northern Ireland. Tea in Tanzania, after all, is grown on vast plantations which are 7,000ft above sea level. It’s also been grown in in the UK, at Tregothnan, Cornwall, since 2000.

“Of course it’s a bit of a gamble for us. But the work we’ve carried out ahead of the decision suggests that it should be possible to grow tea at Portaferry. If all goes according to plan, as it should, we could be producing our own Portaferry blend in about five years. It will take this length of time to prepare and nurture the tea plants after they arrive in Northern Ireland in May.”