Tesco Northern Ireland celebrates International Tea Day with Thompson’s Tea Partnership
(L-R) Jonathan McWhinney, Commercial Director at Thompson's Tea and David Osborne, Buying Manager at Tesco NI. Image credit: Tesco Northern Ireland, Thompson's Tea
This International Tea Day (21 May 2026), Tesco Northern Ireland is celebrating its longstanding partnership with one of the region’s most iconic brands, Thompson’s Tea. Born in Belfast, the family-run company will mark an extraordinary milestone in 2026 as it celebrates 130 years in business, now spanning four generations of the Thompson family.
The relationship between the two companies dates to Tesco’s arrival in Northern Ireland, in 1996, with Thompson’s Tea already stocked in well-known local retailers before becoming a staple on Tesco shelves.
Tesco NI currently stocks the full Thompson’s Tea range and, in 2025 alone, around 300 tonnes of Thompson’s Tea were supplied to the retailer. Across Tesco UK and Tesco Ireland combined, that figure rises to approximately 652 tonnes.
Punjana remains the best-selling Thompson’s Tea product at Tesco NI. According to Thompson’s Tea, more than one million cups of Punjana are enjoyed every single day in the Province, with approximately 10 cups poured every second across NI.
The blend combines premium tea leaves sourced from Assam in India and Kenya in Africa, balancing Assam’s rich, malty character with Kenya’s bright briskness to create a strong, flavourful cup with a clean finish.
Jonathan McWhinney, commercial director at Thompson’s Tea, said:
“Here in Northern Ireland, as in many places, people appreciate a cup of tea that is full of taste and flavour. There’s no shortcut to this, which is why we invest in sourcing great quality tea leaves. It takes a certain amount of courage to put quality first, but we know these leaves from this location are just that bit better.”
The commercial director also commented on Thompson’s family tradition in blending and tasting the tea varieties:
“For 130 years, it has been a Thompson who has taste-tested and approved every blend we have ever made in Northern Ireland. Today, this means tasting teas from around the world daily to create quality blends on a weekly basis. Directors Camile and Jamie Thompson have been learning the art of tea tasting from cousins Ross and David, the third generation of Thompsons to run the company.”
David Osborne, buying manager at Tesco NI, commented on how the company’s rich tradition goes beyond just the product. He said:
“Thompson’s Tea, and especially Punjana, is such a well-established Northern Irish brand with real heritage, and it’s part of everyday life for so many customers. Supplying local products and customer favourites is hugely important, alongside supporting local brands.
“We feel genuinely proud of our relationship with Thompson’s Tea. It’s a long-standing, family-run local business that we’ve supported since Tesco entered the NI market, and that continuity has helped build a really strong partnership over time. It’s also hugely important in terms of supporting the local economy. Championing suppliers like Thompson’s reinforces Tesco’s commitment to Northern Ireland, backing local producers, investing in those relationships and strengthening our connection with the communities we serve.”
Jonathan McWhinney also commented on the partnership:
“We have a fantastic relationship with Tesco NI and are delighted to be one of the local suppliers they continue to champion. Tesco is a valued longstanding partner for Thompson’s Tea, and we very much enjoy working with the local team, both professionally and on a personal level.”
