The Lancashire-based tea company has gained listings for its Charbrew branded Strawberry & Cream and Tropical Rooibos pyramid teas as of next month.
The business was set up by graduate Adam Soliman (23) in August 2009, and sells teas blended with fruit pieces or whole leaves targeted at younger consumers.
Soliman told FoodManufacture.co.uk that he turned down approaches from the producers of TV show Dragon’s Den for his business to be featured.
“Our turnover will be £500,000 this year, and next year who knows, it depends what happens.
“I am at a stage where I am discussing further equity investment to take things to the next level, and a non-executive director, Chris Hook of [coeliac-friendly products supplier] Nutrition Point joined the company.” The only other staff are Soliman and his PA.
Soliman said he used a bank overdraft establish the business, initially through farmers' markets, which then led to listings in Lakeland, Booths, TX Maxx, Casino supermarket in France and now Sainsbury’s.
The range also includes Whole leaf English Breakfast and Sunflower blossoms, in biodegradeable tea bags, with the teas made in Germany and packed in northwest England.