Mr Scruff takes tea brand to Asda
MANCHESTER DJ Mr Scruff has signed a distribution deal with supermarket chain Asda for his ‘Make us a Brew’ range of teas.
The deal represents a significant step for the brand which will start off in selected stores before being distributed nationally.
He is also in talks with a major drinks brand about launching a tea based on a soft drink.
Mr Scruff’s business partner Gary McClarnan told TheBusinessDesk: “It’s like hip hop for tea. Just as you would have different vocalists on the next album we’re always thinking about who we can collaborate with.”
The pair started producing their own tea “for fun” after selling cups of tea and tea-themed T-shirts at the DJ’s club nights.
After initial talks with Tetley fell through they started sourcing their own blends three years ago and secured deals to sell the brand in Selfridges, Waitrose, Booths and a string of smaller shops.
In the last six months they have imported around 15 tonnes of tea from plantations in India, South America and Europe and are now struggling to find enough organic, Fairtrade tea to keep up with demand.
Mr McClarnan declined to give sales figures but said they are selling more than 200,000 packs of tea a year. “Outside supermarkets there’s a high level of profitability,” he said, “but the supermarkets have higher volumes.”
“We are selling more packs of tea than CDs but we still make more money out of touring and brand sponsorship,” said Mr McClarnan. The pair also run a tea shop in Manchester called Teacup.
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