Lipton Tea UAE expands

This expansion represents a doubling of the factory’s production volume, setting it to become the second biggest tea manufacturing factory in the world by the end of this year.

Tea plays an important role in Unilever’s business as it is the single largest producer of well known brands of packet tea in the world through the Lipton and Brooke Bond brands.  Lipton, the world’s leading tea brand, is available in more than 120 countries. In the GCC, the brand is the undisputed market leader, with more than 70% share of the market.

Lipton has deep roots in the tea culture of the GCC and has been sold in the region through agents as far back as the 1930’s. Recognising the importance of the tea market in the Arabian Gulf, Unilever established the first fully automated tea factory in 1998 in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Since 1998, the site has grown in capacity and geographic reach with volume growth increasing from 10.000 to 25000 tonnes establishing it the 3rd largest tea site worldwide.  Currently, a third of Unilever Jebel Ali tea bag’s production is exported to more than 45 countries in the world, including Eastern Europe and Canada. 

The facility now produces a variety of black, green and specialty teas in numerous formats, including premium “pyramid” flavoured tea bags made with innovative pyramid –shaped tea bags that allow the long leaf tea and real pieces of fruit more room to infuse for greater aroma, color and taste. 

Manufacturing strategy

Commenting on the latest expansion plan, Michiel de Jonge, Works Director of Lipton Factory adds that “ in spite of the increase of complexity, quality & consistency remain the cornerstones of our manufacturing strategy to ensure consumers receive a great product every time. The factory can boast certification to internationally recognised standards for quality and consumer safety, as well as the environment and occupational safety.”

Jan Zijderverld, Chairman Unilever Middle East, added: “We are very proud of the success of this factory and its position as one of the worlds’ largest supplier of branded tea. Our investment to build a state of the art Lipton Tea factory is a testament of our continuing confidence in the future of this region and reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a global tea hub.”

Commenting on the importance of Unilever’s beverage business in the region Zijderveld adds: “After water, tea is the most popular non-alcoholic beverage in the world long appreciated for its unique ability to refresh, relax and revive. Today, more tea is drunk around the world than coffee and carbonated soft drinks combined. Understanding the role that tea plays in people’s lives and creatively applying our consumer insights have helped drive our factory to become one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded tea.”