Dorset Tea: The Story Behind the Cup of Sunshine

There’s something special about a tea that brings a smile to your face with every moment you take to enjoy it. That's exactly what Dorset Tea does. While big names like PG Tips and Yorkshire Tea dominate supermarket shelves, this sunshine-in-a-cup brand has been quietly winning hearts across the UK. Once you try it, you'll understand why so many tea lovers become loyal customers who won't drink anything else!

From Bicycle Deliveries to a Beloved British Brand

The Dorset Tea story begins not in a corporate boardroom, but with Keith Spicer back in 1934. At just 21 years old, this tea enthusiast from Bournemouth started mixing blends in his family's parlour, then delivering them to local businesses on an old butcher's bicycle.

This humble beginning embodies something wonderfully British. No massive investment, no big marketing campaign - just genuine passion for good tea and determination to share it with the community. That spirit remains at the heart of Dorset Tea today, even though the brand itself only officially launched in 2009 to celebrate 75 years of Keith's tea-blending expertise.

What Makes Dorset Tea So Special

Sunshine in a Cup

At the core of Dorset Tea is their delightful motto - "A Cup of Sunshine." The brand was created to bring that warm, happy feeling of a perfect summer's day in Dorset to every cup of tea.

Did you know Dorset enjoys 364 more hours of sunshine each year than the UK average? That natural brightness is captured in every cup of Dorset Tea: a smooth, golden blend with a light, refreshing finish. Think gentle citrus notes, a soft floral lift, and a rounded warmth that lingers – like the first sunny morning after a long grey spell.

Award-Winning Taste

Their Sunshine Blend has been racking up Great Taste Awards since 2010 – a clear nod to its consistent quality. This beautifully balanced brew brings together bright Kenyan tea from the Rift Valley, lively Rwandan leaves, and a touch of malty Assam for depth and warmth.

What tea drinkers love, especially those who find some brews a bit too punchy,  is how it delivers full flavour without the harsh bitterness. What you get is a golden, rich, and aromatic cup with a zesty edge that feels just right, whatever the time of day.

And there’s more to explore beyond their hero blend. You’ll find a smooth decaf for evening unwinds, green teas, loose leaf treasures, and fruit and herbal infusions inspired by Dorset’s hedgerows. Their Sandy Beaches Loose Leaf even struck gold at the 2023 Great British Food Awards!

Committed to Sustainability

Dorset Tea’s “Naturally Naked” packaging approach isn’t just clever branding – it’s a genuine effort to reduce waste and tread lightly on the planet.

Their teabags are 100% biodegradable, made from plant-based paper sourced from sustainable wood pulp and vegetable starch. No hidden plastics. Even the boxes are thoughtfully designed to keep tea fresh without unnecessary foil or plastic wrap.

And there’s more. All the black teas in their core blends come from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms. That means better conditions for tea growers and stronger protection for the natural environments where the tea is grown. Every brew supports something bigger – and that’s something to feel good about.

Community Roots Run Deep

One remarkable aspect of Dorset Tea is their genuine connection to their community. They give back through their aptly named 'Communi-Tea' initiative, supporting:

• The Marine Conservation Society to help preserve Dorset's beautiful coastlines

• The Jurassic Coast Trust, protecting England's only natural World Heritage Site (home to fascinating dinosaur fossils)

• Various local charities including Dorset Mind, Home-Start Wessex, and Age UK

These aren't just token partnerships - Dorset Tea makes substantial contributions (such as £5,000 donations to Dorset Mind and Home-Start Wessex) and participates in practical activities like beach cleanups. This dedication to community demonstrates the brand's authentic values.

The Essence of Dorset in Every Cup

Each cup of Dorset Tea offers a taste of the Dorset lifestyle - the stunning countryside, dramatic coastline, and simple pleasure of enjoying tea in beautiful surroundings. Their Foraged Fruits blend even takes inspiration from the berries growing in Dorset's hedgerows.

Many customers first discover Dorset Tea during holidays, finding it in cottage welcome packs and falling in love with the taste. They then seek it out at home because it reminds them of those relaxing days by the sea. This emotional connection is part of what makes the brand so special.

A Genuine British Brand with Heart

In today's market dominated by multinational corporations, Dorset Tea stands out as an authentic British brand with a genuine story. From those early bicycle deliveries to becoming a beloved national tea brand, they've grown while preserving what makes them special - their connection to Dorset, commitment to sustainability, and community spirit.

Want to bring a bit of sunshine into your daily routine? Fancy connecting with one of Britain's most beautiful counties through your morning cuppa? Grab yourself some Dorset Tea! That cheerful sunshine-yellow box brightens up my kitchen shelf, and the tea inside brightens up even the gloomiest British morning.

Have a look at our wide range of Dorset Tea and dive it a try  - we bet you'll be like thousands of our customers who can't start the day without a little cup of Dorset sunshine, whatever the weather's doing outside!