Williamson's teas of Bedfordshire targets China

The company is not just a tea blender, but also a grower - it is involved with four farms in Kenya, with around 15,000 staff.

The company's Malcolm Ferris-Lay will travel to China in December to exhibit on the Food From Britain pavilion at FCH China 2008, the country's largest international trade show for imported food, wine, beverages and retail and hospitality suppliers.

Williamson does already sell in Hong Kong, but Ferris-Lay is aware that British tea will be a curious concept for buyers in mainland China. However, as his company works only with top-grade tea, he expects positive interest.

Apart from its speciality teas, Williamson has recently gained interest in the UK for its Lifeboat tea, from which 4p per pack is donated to the RNLI.

- Williamson has, through various projects, raised well over £100,000 for the RNLI.

By Ian Boughton