UK

Tata-owned Tetley has announced that it intends to source all of its branded tea from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by 2016, according to an announcement made by both parties last February.

The first certified products will be sold in the UK by April, in Canada by early 2011 and by 2012, Rainforest Alliance Certified Tetley tea will be available in the US, Australia and mainland Europe, according to a statement by Tetley.

"We believe that the approach taken by Rainforest Alliance is best able to support the Tetley brand. The sustainable sourcing guarantees offered through Rainforest Alliance certification are the best fit with our overall sustainability strategy that seeks to address both social and environmental issues," according to a statement on Tetley’s website.

The company claims that 75 million cups of its black, green, red, flavored and decaffeinated teas are prepared every day in 70 countries.

Kenya, Malawi and North India will continue to supply most of the tea Tetley buys, according to Sara Howe, director of sustainability for the Tata beverage group in London.