Monday, July 21, 2014

Twinings in the News

A recent Detroit Free Press article featured the 10 oldest company logos in the world.  Guess what the oldest was?


The article stated most major companies have changed their logos dramatically over time, but some have had 'staying power' for hundreds of years.  Many companies use their longevity as a selling point to consumers emphasizing that they remain connected to their founding principles, with key management related to the company's founder. Twinings Tea has ten generation descendants of Thomas Twining leading their company.

Twinings' 1787 logo - a capatalized font beneath a lion crest - has been used continuously for 227 years, making it the world's oldest unaltered logo.

Even more remarkable, the company still sells tea at the same London location, 216 Strand, since its founding by Thomas Twining in 1706. Twinings is a Royal Warrant holder, appointed by HM The Queen.  If I ever return to London it's at the top of my list of places to visit.


In 1717, Twinings was the first beverage shop that opened to women because coffeehouses wee for men only.  Women could sit and drink a cup of tea at the shop, or take their self-selected blend home with them.

18th Century English novelist, Jane Austen, bought her tea from Twinings.

A few years ago I found a replica Twinings Delivery Truck and bought it.  The roof is hinged, and opens for use as a tea caddy.


Kudos on 308 years of business in the tea industry, Twining Family!  U.S. statistics show that fewer than 1/3 of family-owned businesses survive to the second generation, 13% to the third, and 3% to the fourth.  Twinings is definitely doing something right!


~ Thomas Twining, 1741 ~


3 comments:

  1. If I ever got to London, that will be on my "must visit" list, too.

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  2. Cute tea caddy and interesting info on Twinings! What a dream to visit!
    Hugs...Nancy

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  3. I have visited the Twinings shop (the earlier trip) and it was so amazing to think, "I'm shopping for tea at the same place where Jane Austen shopped for tea!"

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