Suki Aims to Drive Business Growth by Investing in Novel Tea Club
FoodNI member Suki Tea Makers in Lisburn has always been about more than tea.
From the very beginning the artisan tea blenders set out to be different and
innovative in a fiercely competitive global marketplace.
Suki’s strategic focus has long been in doing everything better for its existing and
potential customers, better for the growers it partners with, and better for the planet,
according to Oscar Woolley, founder of the teas blending business with Anne Irwin
back in 2005 in Belfast. For instance, Suki is one of a small group of companies here
to achieve B Corp accreditation for its support of the environment and especially its
success in eliminating plastic from its products.
“That’s why 2025 has been such a milestone year for us,” continues Oscar, who’s
originally from Nottingham. “Not only did we celebrate 20 Years of Suki and
achieve B Corp certification for the strength of our commitment to the environment
and society, we also launched a refreshed brand identity that we felt more accurately
reflected the creativity and passion of our ethos to do better. We unveiled a new look
that’s bolder, brighter, and more creative than before,” he adds.
“Building on the manufacturing improvements brought by our investment in a
purpose-build ‘Tea Factory’ in Lisburn, which opened in 2023, we have simplified our
packaging, removed unnecessary plastics, and committed to fully compostable
packs.
“Despite these changes, the heart of Suki hasn’t changed. We’re still about creativity,
honest flavour, and making decisions that make us (and hopefully customers) smile.
It’s all for the love of tea, and we’re dedicated to moving meaningfully forward,
always looking for new ways to share joy and discovery in every cuppa,” he
continues.
Oscar decided to move to Belfast after falling in love with the city during a
backpacking trip from England. He also met his future wife, Samantha, in the city
and subsequently married at a traditional ceremony in Japan.
This latest stage in Suki’s remarkably successful journey, which has included
exporting to Europe and even as far as Japan, is a development which excites him.
“Now, we’re excited to announce something that encapsulates that spirit of Suki ‘to a
T’ (no pun intended!) – the Suki Tea Club. Tea has always been about discovery.
Whether it’s the first time you try a comforting Belfast Breakfast Brew blend, or the
thrill of finding a whole new blend you never expected to love, there’s magic in that
moment of connection,” he says.
He explains that the new Tea Club subscription is “designed to capture that feeling
and encourage even more moments of connection”. “Each box will come with four
different teas, enough for a cup every day of the month. It will be delivered straight to
letterboxes of subscribers everywhere.”
Sometimes, he explains, it could be a familiar favourite like Suki’s signature and
multi-award-winning Belfast Brew or punchy Red Berry. “Sometimes it will surprise –
but it will always be delicious, sustainable, and distinctly Suki,” he says.
Each box will come with a video from Oscar, guiding you through the tasting
notes, origins, and inspiration behind each blend. Members of the Tea Club will also
get access to exclusive discounts and surprises throughout the year!
“We’ve travelled to the far flung reaches of the tea growing world to bring customers
a selection that is carefully curated to encourage exploration, experience, and
enjoyment.
“At Suki, we take pride in sourcing the finest tea leaves and botanicals from across
the globe. With our meticulous attention to detail, each cup of tea delivers full flavour
and aroma, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.
“Our unwavering commitment to Fair Trade sourcing ensures that tea farmers
receive fair wages while safeguarding the environment. Customers can Indulge in
the best tea with a clear conscience! “
With options for a one-off box, and monthly or annual subscriptions, the new club is
“perfect for those looking to treat themselves to a new adventure: Tea isn’t just a
drink, it’s a journey. From our partner growers across the world to the cups of
customers and subscribers, the Tea Club is about inviting people along on that
journey, giving them a chance to try something new, rediscover old favourites, and
connect with the stories behind each blend. It’s about making exploration easy, fun,
and sustainable.”
“We’ve always said that: “if it makes us smile, we’ll back it.” That’s how Suki started –
at a wobbly table top in St. George’s Victorian Market in Belfast city in 2005, and it’s
still how we make decisions about our teas and products today.
“The Suki Tea Club is one of those ideas that made us smile from the very
beginning, and we can’t wait to keep sharing this journey with customers – one
bright, bold, flavourful cuppa at a time.”
Oscar has recently returned from a lengthy trip to meet suppliers and customers in
Japan, where it has been supplying tea shops over many years.
The innovation-led business also recently relaunched a classic flavour for the festive
season – fruity Mince Pies that are captured in “a delicious blend that’s spicy, figgy
and fruit-filled”.
