Suki Teahouse To Invest £250,000 To Expand Sales

Suki Teahouse in Belfast is investing £250,000 with assistance from Invest Northern Ireland's Jobs Fund to expand sales outside Northern Ireland.

Suki, based at Twin Spires on Northumberland Street, is creating seven new jobs and has received Invest NI Jobs Fund assistance of £35,000 towards this expansion. The new jobs, three of which are already in place, will mean an additional £127,315 in salaries and wages for the local economy.

The company, an award winning blender of teas and herbal infusions, is aiming to grow its business in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and further afield. It already sells to customers in Japan, Europe and Africa.

Support for Suki's new business strategy was outlined by John Hood, Invest NI Director of Food and Tourism, during a visit to the company's recently expanded premises. He was briefed about developments by Oscar Woolley, Managing Director, who founded the company in 2005 with business partner Anne Irwin.

Mr Hood said: "Our support is enabling this ambitious boutique tea blender to respond to continuing year-on-year growth in demand for its 45-strong portfolio of teas and infusions from customers particularly in catering outside Northern Ireland. It currently sells over 80% of its teas abroad and achieved 25% growth in turnover last year.

"The company has targeted opportunities to grow its business significantly through foodservice, retail and the internet and is implementing new equipment and processes that will strengthen its productivity and overall market competitiveness."

(CD/JP)