Our client, Harney & Sons Fine Teas was recently spotlighted on CBS’s The Dish. The narrative highlighted the journey of the company, from its humble origins, to its remarkable growth, culminating in its current impressive stature as one of the largest and most trusted tea brands in the world.
I. Humble Beginnings
The beginnings of Harney & Sons stem from an encounter in John Harney’s local New England inn in 1983. One day, a retired Englishman came in and encouraged John to serve better tea. The seasoned entrepreneur decided not only to change the tea he served, but, at the ripe age 53, he started a tea company out of his basement.
Since that time, Harney & Sons has gained a reputation for its high quality teas, and the company helped usher in a large cultural shift in America. Americans mostly drank instant powder tea at the time. Harney helped introduce higher quality leaf-based teas and the practice of drinking tea daily.
II. Bestsellers and Signature Flavors
Each month, about 200,000 pounds of tea leaves come into the Harney & Sons warehouse in Millerton, NY. The leaves are then packaged in their beautiful signature tins and combined into specialty blends. Teas like Disney’s Snow White blend with apple, cornflower, and marigold, and Hot Cinnamon Spice, with its blend of natural sweetness, spice, and orange peel, are best sellers.
From its original six teas, the company has grown to offer over 300 teas. Harney keeps innovating, always offering new products, like this year’s Chinese Lunar New Year blend.
III. A Family Legacy
Continuing John Harney’s work, President, Elyse Harney, and her sons, Mike and Paul, are now at the helm of the company. It has also expanded to a third generation, including grandsons and daughter-in-law, Emeric, Alex, and Brigitte.
Harney Teas is popular and beloved even in countries like England and Japan that hold teatime to the highest standard. They have even been invited to sell their tea in the royal palaces of England! A sixth generation Irish American company is the largest licensee of the British royal palace.
Watch the video on CBS’s The Dish below:
