BIG JACK’S TEA SCORES AT THE CO-OP

Our long-time supporters, Northumberland Tea, have ‘bagged’ a contract to supply almost 60 Co-op food stores across the North East.

Jack Charlton, ambassador for Northumberland Tea, in Ponteland’s Co-op

The Corbridge-based (Northumberland) business was set up four years ago by Helen and Bill Logan and a donation from every pack of tea sold is generously donated to us after we supported Helen’s father when he was ill.

Helen Logan, says: “We’re delighted that after many months of sampling and negotiating, we have agreed a deal with the Co-op that will see Northumberland tea in stores ranging from Teesside to Berwick, which will extend the tea’s reach to many new areas and tea lovers across the north.

“We sold our small café business to look after my father, who lost his battle with cancer in 2012 and then decided to set up Northumberland Tea. We drank so many cuppas during my father’s illness that we felt well qualified.

Helen Logan, Jack Charlton, Lady Elsie and Bill Logan

“This contract is another huge milestone for us, and will help us to raise further funds to support the wonderful work that is carried out by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

World Cup winner Jack Charlton OBE – a friend of the Logan family and honorary ambassador for Northumberland Tea – brewed-up further interest by popping to his nearby Co-op in Ponteland to showcase the tea.

Each pack bears bears ‘Big Jack’s’ image and states that it’s “the best cup since 1966” in reference to his famous World Cup win.

Jack and Lady Elsie enjoy a cup of Northumberland Tea

The move comes as the Co-op expands its local sourcing programme into approaching 60 of its food stores across the North East.

Charlotte Bleasdale, Ranging Manager for the Co-op in the North East, says: “We are thrilled to sell locally loved products such as Northumberland Tea – food provenance and trust is important to our customers.

“It is the passion, quality and innovation involved in developing these products which makes them stand out, they are part of the fabric of local community life and we are proud to give them pride of place at the Co-op.”

Pauline Buglass, from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation said: “We’re so pleased that Northumberland Tea is now going to be available to Co-op customers all across the North East.

“With every purchase, tea-lovers will not only be getting a great cuppa, they’ll be helping us continue the work Sir Bobby began when he launched his charity. We’re grateful for the support we receive from Northumberland Tea.”