Tradition and tech helps Ringtons deliver profits

COMBINATION of traditional teas and new gifts and treats is helping family firm Ringtons buck UK retail trends and grow sales and profits.

- COREENA FORD Business writer coreena [e-mail]

Ringtons operates a doorstep delivery service, with more than 250 vans

The historic tea and biscuit company, which this year marks 119 years of trading from its head office in Byker, Newcastle, packages tea for UK supermarkets alongside Ring-tons’ own brand of teas, coffees, treats and gifts, which are sold online, in stores including Fenwick, and through its doorstep delivery service operated by a fleet of more than 250 vans and sales staff.

The business - now run by the family’s fifth generation, who have been board members since July 2023 - has navigated a number of headwinds in recent years, including soaring inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and key commodity price rises.

However, the last year has seen an 8% lift in turnover to £94.35m in the period ending June 27, 2025, while underlying profits rose 8.6% to £4.8m. Total shareholder funders also increased 6.6% to £35.9m, while employee numbers grew 6.3% to 595.