Typhoo, the renowned British tea brand, has taken a bold step in its fight against sexual exploitation on tea plantations. Today, the company officially launches its ‘Fear Free Tea’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness among the 52% of UK tea drinkers who want to know where their tea is sourced.
A Disturbing Truth Unveiled
Research has shown that three out of four women working on tea plantations fear sexual violence. Responding to this unsettling reality, Typhoo has radically reformed its supply chain to ensure that its tea is produced under ethical conditions. The company’s new mission, ‘Tea Made Right’, focuses on collaborating with growers who are dedicated to eliminating sexual violence on their plantations.
With fresh leadership guiding the brand, Typhoo has transitioned from working with numerous tea growers to partnering with a select few who share its commitment to women’s safety. These growers are primarily based in East Africa, where much of the UK’s tea originates and where the issue of gender-based violence has long been a systemic problem.
A Superior Tea Experience with a Purpose
In addition to addressing ethical concerns, Typhoo’s revamped supply chain guarantees improved quality and taste in every cup. The new ‘Fear Free Tea’ blend is the best in the company’s 120-year history, offering a bolder and fresher flavour, with each tea bag containing an extra 10% of tea (3.125g). Despite paying a fair price for premium tea leaves, Typhoo ensures that this cost is not passed on to customers.
Tackling Gender-Based Violence Head-On
The global tea industry has come under increased scrutiny following reports from BBC Africa Eye and Panorama, which revealed that one million women working on tea plantations are subjected to sexual violence each year. The power imbalance between male managers and female workers has created an environment where exploitation thrives. Typhoo has decided to confront this issue directly, implementing changes to protect the women who work on its plantations.
As part of this initiative, Typhoo has established an ethical advisory group, the ‘Fear Free Council’. This body is tasked with maintaining rigorous standards for safeguarding women on tea plantations and promoting change across the wider tea industry to address gender-based violence and harassment.
Shining a Light on Hidden Realities
Rocío Ortiz, Typhoo’s responsible sourcing manager, highlighted the significant impact of the 2023 BBC Africa Eye documentary, which exposed the widespread issues within the tea industry. “This documentary was a turning point, bringing to light a reality many had suspected but couldn’t fully comprehend. It has pushed us, and the wider sector, to take essential action.”
Ortiz continued, “With 81% of Britons enjoying at least one cup of tea a day, it is a staple of British culture. However, the harsh conditions behind the scenes often go unnoticed. We believe it’s time to empower consumers with the truth so they can make informed choices when buying their tea.”
A Commitment to Ethical Tea Production
Typhoo is committed to producing tea the right way—fear-free. By closely monitoring how its tea is grown, harvested, and crafted, and by working alongside local communities, Typhoo ensures that its tea is ethically produced without fear. Ortiz is confident that Typhoo’s new direction will inspire other brands to follow suit, and the company plans to continue learning and growing as it advances this vital cause.
Typhoo’s dedication to improving the lives of women in the tea industry is evident in its decision to invest $500,000 over the next year in projects designed to support women on tea plantations. These initiatives focus on education, protection, and empowering more women to take leadership roles, thereby reducing gender inequality in the workplace.
Join Typhoo in the ‘Fear Free Tea’ Mission
With over three-quarters of UK tea drinkers supporting transparency about working conditions on tea plantations, Typhoo’s ‘Fear Free Tea’ initiative represents a significant step forward in creating a safer, fairer future for women in the industry. The brand is sold nationwide in retailers including Ocado, ASDA, Co-op, and Morrisons, and is urging consumers to join the movement by choosing ‘Fear Free Tea’.
