Lyons Tea

Lyons Tea is one of Ireland's most iconic and dominant tea brands, holding a significant place in Irish culture and households for over a century. Although often perceived as a local Irish start-up, the brand's history is rooted in a large London-based catering empire. It was founded by the Salmon and Gluckstein families, who appointed Joseph Lyons as the public face of J. Lyons & Co. in 1895. The brand began selling packaged tea in 1904 through its successful network of teashops.

While the brand established a major manufacturing presence in Dublin on Davitt Road in the 1960s, which served as a central hub for decades, production was eventually moved to the United Kingdom in the early 2000s. Today, the tea is produced in England, primarily using high-quality leaves sourced from East Africa, India, and Sri Lanka to achieve its signature smooth and hearty flavor profile.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned through several major corporations. After a period under Allied Lyons, the brand was acquired by Unilever in 1996. In 2022, Unilever completed the sale of its global tea division (ekaterra), which included Lyons Tea. The brand is now owned by LIPTON Teas and Infusions, the world's largest tea company, which is controlled by the private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. Despite these international shifts in ownership and manufacturing, Lyons Tea remains a quintessential symbol of Irish hospitality and daily life.