BELL TEA: A NEW ZEALAND FAVOURITE
In 1898, Norman Harper Bell had a vision to create a better tea for the country he called home - a passion and dedication we share today. For almost 120 years, we’ve been dedicated to exploring the world of tea & blending locally for a consistent taste. Our BrewMasters source the best teas, fruits & herbs from across the globe, to craft a range of teas specifically for New Zealanders tastes.
HISTORY OF BELL
Norman Harper Bell was the founder of Bell Tea. Norman Harper Bell’s driving passion was work. Not only an excellent tea blender, he was also an astute businessman, understanding the many essentials of marketing a first class product, good distribution, customer retention and public relations.
Bell Tea has operated during the turbulent years of two World Wars and the Great Depression, each having a profound effect on its fortunes.
Today Bell Tea is committed to bringing New Zealand new tastes in tea. Drinking tea has been part of New Zealand culture for so long and Bell Tea is proud to continue to provide a range of refreshing great tasting teas for every occasion.
1800s
1862
Robert Wilson founded R. Wilson & Company, later to go into partnership with Norman Harper Bell.
1894
Norman Harper Bell arrived from Melbourne to join the Tea Department of R. Wilson & Company.
1898
Bell Tea introduced and trademark registered.
early 1900s
1902
Norman Harper Bell introduces coupons to the New Zealand market, offering gifts as an incentive to purchase Bell Tea.
1905
Norman Harper Bell commences business as a tea merchant.
1908
Norman Harper Bell dies of diabetes and his son Norman Harper Bell Jr. becomes Acting Manager. Bell Tea is registered in November. NZ population is 1.1 million, and tea consumption is 6.97lb per capita.
1923
Hope St property purchased in Dunedin.
1924
Hope factory in full operation.
mid 1900s
1932
Coupon Trading Act takes effect, making it illegal to redeem coupons for anything other than cash or discount.
1937
Loose leaf tea production changed from tins to cardboard packaging.
1939
World War II.
1960
Bell Tea horoscopes appeared in newspapers every Monday as lead advertising campaign.
1963
Amber Tips purchased from Fletcher Humphreys.
1966
First television advertising campaign for Bell Tea.
1966
Auckland factory built and produciton commenced. Decimal currency introduced.
late 1900s
1969
Teabags introduced into New Zealand. Edglets and Tiger tea brands purchased from J. Rattray & Son Ltd.
1974
Bell teabags launched
1989
Twinnings agreement for Bell Tea to act as New Zealand agent including local production.
2003
Introduciton of new eco-friendly packaging for teabags using barrier proofing technology to retain freshness.
2004
Launch of Bell Pure Ceylon. NZ Population 4.1 million. Tea consumption 0.98kg per capita.
2006
Launch of Bell Decaf. Acquisition of Burton Hollis Coffee Company.
2007
Launch of Bell Green Tea.
2009
Launch of India Origin Tea.