Accordng to Typhoo, layoffs are needed to cut costs and bring the company back to profitability. About 320 workers are employed at the factory in Moreton, England.

This actress told the UK Guardian Newspaper, “I always start my day in the same way. I am devoted to tea; it’s something I’ve always loved ever since I was really quite little.” She added, “I am absolutely fascistic about how my tea is made. I only use Williamson Tea, which has been running since 1869.”

This actress starred in the Harry Potter movies as well as Nanny McPhee.

Emma Thompson is the Oscar-winning actress and big fan of Williamson Tea.

Recently, Williamson Tea won 6 Gold Medals at the 2008 Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Foods.

Due in part to increasing demand and a poor harvest, the price of many teas is set to rise.

Drought has effected the important tea growing countries of India, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Demand for tea also has increased internationally. These two factors have caused tea prices to be at an all-time high.

According to the Telegraph,  Unilever, makers of PG Tips, Lyons, Scottish Blend and more, is expected to raising prices of these teas in the UK shortly.  The prices could increase 10% to 15% for these teas.

Other tea brands should follow with price increases.

How much this will affect these tea brands being imported in the US has not yet been determined.

Many of the world top tea companies are helping workers and protecting the environment by participating in the Ethical Tea Partnership, Fair Trade Foundation and Rainforest Alliance.

Ethical Tea Partnership monitors living and working conditions on tea estates, with the aim of making sure that tea you buy from ETP members has been produced in a socially responsible way.   If you want to verify that these tea brands are member of the ETP, go here.

Fair Trade Foundation encourages poverty alleviation and sustainable development.  Pays tea growers a fair price so their families and communities can improve.  Specific products are given the Fair Trade certification.

Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and behavior.

Here is a list of tea companies involved in these groups.

Bewley’s – Fair Trade Tea

Jacksons of Piccadilly – Ethical Tea Partnership, Fair Trade.

Lifeboat Tea – Fair Trade

Lyons Tea – Rainforest Alliance.  Lyons has a great section of their corporate web site telling about the company involvement in the Rainforest Alliance. It includes audio and video and is worth a visit.   Start here to see it.

Nambarrie – Ethical Tea Partnership

PG Tips Tea – Rainforest Alliance

Punjana Tea – Fair Trade

Taylors of Harrogate – Ethical Tea Partnership, Fair Trade

Tetley – Ethical Tea Partnership

Twinings – Ethical Tea Partnership

Williamson Tea- Fair Trade Tea, Rainforest Alliance and Ethical Tea Partnership.  World’s only tea company to have all its farms Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance accredited.   Williamson Earl Grey, Kenya Green and White are Fair Trade teas.  Read about the news on Williamson’s Corporate web site.

Check back regularly as we will update as necessary.

A woman in Jackson County, Mississippi was shot in the head and survived. Amazingly, she was conscious when police arrived. The woman was confused and holding a bandage. But she was alert enough to make herself a cup of tea and even offered a police officer a cup of tea.

The woman survived because the bullet went through the lobes of her brain.

We wish her a full recovery.

Read the full story.

You can see the whole interview on video at popdirt.com.

Should you make sure to fully boil the water for all types of tea?

No.

Different types of tea require the water to be at different temperatures.

Black Tea – Water should be at a rolling boil

Green Tea – Water should be about 160 degrees (bubbles begin to come to the top)

White Tea – Water should be abut 180 degrees (just before boiling)

Herbal Tea – Water should be at rolling boil

So, have a cup of Barry’s Gold tea or you other favorite and decide how you are going to open your own tea shop.

The Madura Green Tea with Papaya is particularly good and a favorite around our office.

Many tea drinkers know about English, Irish, or Chinese tea. But, most are unfamiliar with Australian tea. Founded in 1978, Madura is today Australia’s leading specialist tea grower, blender and marketer of fine teas.

Today, Madura produces Australia’s best selling green tea. Madura has a range of Green teas, such Green and Papaya Leaf; Green and Jasmine; Green and Mint; as well as Green and Lemon. Madura’s vision is to foster and protect the natural environment within which its tea is grown.

In Australia, Madura Tea Estates is home to not only an array of rare and endangered native Australian flora, planted out by estate staff, but as a consequence of these endeavors is now home to native Australian perch, bass, platypus, tortoises, water fowl, a vast variety of birds, echidnas, wallabies and koalas.

Additionally, all external packaging from Madura teas contain recycled materials. Founded by Michael Grant-Cook and his wife Norma, Madura grows tea in Australia’s Tweed Valley, in northern New South Wales.

An article at the web site of British music magazine NME, reveals some of the details of what the Stones require when touring.

When touring, the Stone require a steady supply of PG Tips and HP Sauce.

You can read more about life on the road with the Rolling Stones at an article at NME.com