Lipton is a brand of tea and was also a supermarket chain in the United Kingdom before it was sold off to Argyll Foods, to allow the company to focus solely on tea. The company is named after its founder Thomas Lipton.

 

Lipton Pyramid Tea

Lipton also produces tea using the pyramid bag format as seen in other tea brands.

 

Lipton Clear was also launched in four variants – Green Tea Jasmine, Green Tea Mint, Green Tea Citrus and Green Tea Pure.

 

Lipton worldwide

Available in over 110 countries, Lipton is particularly popular in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, parts of Asia and Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). Despite its British origins, Lipton black tea (such as Yellow Label) is not marketed in the UK and is not found in mainstream British stores. However, Lipton Ice Tea and fruit teas are available in the UK.

 

Marketing and advertising

In an attempt to change the negative perception of Lipton Ice Tea – as 60% claimed they do not like the taste before even trying it – Lipton underwent a London-based summer experiential marketing campaign under the slogan "Don't knock it 'til you’ve tried it!". Roaming demonstrators handed out 498,968 samples over the 58-day run. After the campaign, 87% of consumers claimed to enjoy Lipton Ice Tea, while 73% said they were more likely to purchase in the future.

 

Product quality controversy

In November 2011, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China found high levels of toxins in one variety of Lipton tea. Unilever responded by clearing the shelves of all affected products.

 

In April 2012, the non-governmental organization Greenpeace raised questions to Lipton products once again, after two varieties of Lipton tea the group purchased in Beijing supermarkets failed safety tests, with the results allegedly failing to meet regulations as those enforced in the European Union. Additionally, the group stated, "Some of the detected pesticides are also banned for use in tea production by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture." 

Unilever China denied the findings, stating all Lipton products within the country were safe.