- To mark International Tea Day, Heathrow and Fortnum & Mason celebrate Britain’s favourite beverage
- Over the last year, Heathrow passengers enjoyed more than 669,000 cups of tea across the airport
- In 2024, over 350 tonnes of tea passed through the airport as cargo from tea-growing hotspots around the world
- Fortnum’s Royal Blend, Fortnum’s Early Grey and Fortnum’s Breakfast Blend are among international favourites
- Passengers pick up more tea in December than any other month, marking it as a popular festive gift and travel souvenir
Heathrow is celebrating Britain’s favourite brew this International Tea Day (21 May) with quintessentially British brand Fortnum & Mason to raise a toast to all things tea.
Popular amongst passengers seeking a warm welcome at Arrivals, as well as departing passengers picking up the perfect gift, Heathrow has revealed new data proving that Britain’s passion for tea is far more than a stereotype.
For shoppers browsing Heathrow’s vast array of retailers, tea is a favourite gift and travel keepsake. Heathrow’s extensive range of shops feature a strong line-up of British brands across fashion, beauty and food. But tea remains one of the most sought-after items, particularly during the festive season. December is the busiest month for tea sales, as travellers stock up on gifts and souvenirs. Tea products are especially popular with passengers departing to destinations in the United States and China, with tea bags significantly outselling loose leaf options.
Last year, London retail institution Fortnum & Mason marked ten years at Heathrow. The iconic brand has dedicated stores in Terminals 4 and 5, where passengers can pick up premium tea gifts to take home from their travels. Fortnum’s Famous 60 Tea Bag selection is the most popular among Heathrow travellers. A select range of products are also available in all terminals through Reserve & Collect, offering added convenience for travellers. Famed for crafting an extraordinary range of tea for over three centuries, Fortnum & Mason offers passengers blends that are steeped in tradition.
Passengers are not only heading to Fortnum & Mason’s stores to buy their favourite blends, but the brand also leads in tea sales made through World Duty Free at Heathrow. Fortnum & Mason is the top-selling tea brand, with Royal Blend, Earl Grey Classic, and Breakfast Blend among the most popular flavours with international shoppers.
Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, said: “At Heathrow, we’re proud to celebrate tea’s role in British culture and the popularity of British tea across the globe. Fortnum & Mason is an iconic British retailer that shares our passion for tea and we are proud to work with them to ensure tea fans find the best blend to enhance their airport journey, on International Tea Day and beyond. "
As the UK’s largest port by value and international gateway, Heathrow also plays a significant role in transporting tea around the globe. In 2024 alone, over 350 tonnes of tea passed through the airport, including 214 tonnes imported from tea-growing hotspots like India, Sri Lanka and Kenya, and 137 tonnes exported to destinations including Japan, the United States, Canada and Hong Kong.
Tea imports peaked in November 2024, when 40.2 tonnes arrived in the UK via Heathrow. Meanwhile, January 2024 was the biggest month for tea exports, with 30.7 tonnes of British blends shipped abroad. The most commonly exported varieties were black and green teas, reflecting global demand for both traditional and more fragrant flavours.
From classic brews to collector’s tins, Heathrow’s award-winning retail experience brings the best of British brands to a global audience. Passengers can explore Heathrow’s extensive tea offering and reserve their favourite blends for pre-flight pickup by using Heathrow’s free Reserve & Collect service, available at boutique.heathrow.com.
