We’re equally passionate about making sure our success does not come at the expense of the people who help make it possible.

Growing
Growing and producing tea provides a livelihood for millions of people around the world. Assuring their living and working conditions is very important to us, and we manage this through our membership of a growing international organisation called the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP). This is a non commercial alliance of 18 international tea packers who believe in a shared responsibility for the social and ethical conditions involved in the sourcing of tea.

So what exactly does the ETP do?
The ETP uses independent monitors to check that the tea estates its members buy tea from, are complying with the relevant laws and union agreements of their country. The monitors look at 6 key areas

- employment (including minimum age and wage levels)
- education
- maternity
- housing
- health and safety
- basic rights

They visit tea estates, talk privately to workers and trade union representatives, and check records to make sure workers are receiving everything they should, and that human rights are respected. The monitors will check health and safety procedures and equipment, and hospitals, schools and crèches on estates, to see that standards are maintained.

Improvements
If improvements are needed the ETP works with the tea estate owners to try and bring these about.

The ETP started out in 1997, and is now active in 12 tea producing regions which together account for 70% of world tea exports. Thanks to its work, improvements have been seen in all areas of estate life – from the provision of safe drinking water to working hours and pay.

We hope this has given you a taste for the ethical standards which lie behind your favourite cup of tea. You can find out much more about the ETP by visiting www.ethicalteapartnership.org.