Lipton Teas & Infusions is set to redefine the UK tea category with the launch of its innovative Lipton Ice Tea teabag range. Rolling out in Ocado this month, Co-op from April and Sainsbury’s from May, this new line marks Lipton’s first foray into the cold brew teabag market.
The launch presents a compelling commercial case for UK retailers, offering a significant opportunity to drive incremental sales and unlock new revenue streams by attracting a younger, highly engaged demographic. One in six tea purchases amongst Gen Z shoppers is Cold Tea, presenting a significant opportunity for retailers to capitalise on evolving consumer habits.
The Lipton Ice Tea range directly addresses several key consumer trends: health, convenience, sustainability, and flavour – and offers a clear opportunity for retailers to monetise the ubiquitous “tap water” occasion, directly targeting the 79% of the UK population who carry a refillable water bottle. The individually wrapped, plant-based pyramid teabags have been designed specifically for cold brewing in refillable water bottles, providing a flavour-packed solution to enhance daily refreshment on-the-go, while actively reducing single-use plastic. This is not just gently flavoured water but the full on flavour of delicious ice tea, brewed cold, at home or on the go.
Available in three vibrant flavours inspired by the RTD format: Black Tea Peach, Green Tea Citrus Mint, and Hibiscus Raspberry, this groundbreaking launch offers a refreshing, convenient, and healthy option for consumers. While Fruit & Herbal tea consumption typically dips in summer, Lipton Ice Tea is specifically designed for cold consumption, extending tea occasions year-round and mitigating seasonal fluctuations, tapping into a cold tea market already worth £67.7M and engaging 12.1% of the GB population.
Furthermore, with consumers increasingly searching for “better-for-you” options, this delicious new range responds with zero sugar, zero calories, and sweeteners from natural origin.
Jonny Briscoe, general manager, UK & Ireland, LIPTON Teas and Infusions UKI, comments: “The Lipton Ice Tea range is more than just a new product; it’s a strategic move to revolutionise how consumers enjoy ice tea and how retailers can grow their tea category sales through a taste-first concept that resonates with younger demographics. The existing Lipton Hot range has already demonstrated strong incremental sales), indicating the brand’s proven power to drive category growth.”
The launch will be supported by an experiential-first marketing strategy, including mass street sampling targeting younger consumers, affiliate marketing, influencers, disruptive in-store activation, and trade & consumer PR.
- Lipton Ice Tea Infuse 10-pack range (RRP £3.75) is available at Ocado (Black Tea Peach) from late March, Co-op from late April (1,500 stores), and Sainsbury’s from May
