In the latest of a series of senior appointments at Wirral-based Typhoo Tea since a new investment in summer 2021, Mike Brehme joins as chairman. Tony McDonough reports
Wirral tea business Typhoo Tea has unveiled Mike Brehme, co-founder of Clipper Teas, as its new chairman.
It is the latest in the series of new senior appointments at the Moreton-based company which last summer saw Zetland Capital, a London based Private Equity firm, become a majority shareholder and Abercross expand its shareholding.
It has been a challenging couple of years for the 118-year old business. It reported pre-tax losses of almost £30m in 2019, putting jobs at risk. In July 2021 its then owner, Indian conglomerate Apeejay Surrendra, secured investment from Zetland.
In December 2021 Typhoo announced Rocío Ortiz was being hired as its new responsible sourcing manager and Lesley Western would be working with the business as a corporate social responsibility consultant.
Mr Brehme was chief executive of Clippers Teas for 27 years and, under his leadership, it became the UK’s first Fairtrade tea company and the world’s largest producer of Fairtrade tea.
Des Kingsley, chief executive of Typhoo Tea, said: “Mike is as passionate about tea as we are. His depth of experience and knowledge of our category have already proven extremely beneficial.
“We have a renewed focus on our brands at Typhoo Tea. Mike’s experience of creating and nurturing an incredibly successful international brand, without forgetting the importance of people and the planet, will be invaluable to our plans.”
Mr Brehme added: “Typhoo has been making tea since 1903, it is a national treasure and an integral part of what makes Great Britain a nation of tea lovers. As a nation we are now drinking a much wider range of teas and infusions.
“The expertise and passion within Typhoo Tea for its brands such as Typhoo and Heath & Heather infusions will soon be transforming the market and adding an OO’ to every brew, whatever your taste.”