10 Interesting Facts and Figures About Cornish Tea

If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of Cornish Tea’s Smugglers Brew, you know there’s something special about it. But there’s a lot more to this Cornish company than meets the eye. Here are ten fascinating facts about one of our favourite British tea brands.

1. It All Started with a Kitchen Table Conversation

In 2012, Duncan Bond had a chat with his sister-in-law who was looking for a proper local Cornish tea—and realised there wasn’t one. Six months later, the first box of Cornish Tea was packed: bold, bright, and orange. That single product, Smugglers Brew, set everything in motion for what would become a thriving family business.

2. The Name Honours Cornwall’s Smuggling Heritage

The “Smugglers Brew” name isn’t just clever marketing—it’s a nod to Cornwall’s rich (and illicit) history. In the 18th century, tea was one of the most commonly smuggled goods into Britain. Import taxes on tea reached as high as 110%, making it a highly prized cargo for Cornish smugglers who used the region’s rugged coastline, hidden coves, and secret caves to avoid customs officers.

3. They Were Pioneers in Plastic-Free Tea Bags

Cornish Tea was one of the UK’s first companies to produce 100% plastic-free, biodegradable tea bags. While many major tea brands still use polypropylene to seal their bags (meaning they’re about 25% plastic), Cornish Tea made the switch early—meaning you can pop your used tea bags straight in the compost without worrying about microplastics.

4. Everything Is Made in Cornwall

Unlike many tea brands that simply slap a regional name on their packaging, Cornish Tea actually blends and packs all their products in Cornwall. They’ve grown from that kitchen table operation to a proper factory with over 30 local staff members.

5. The Tea Leaves Travel from Kenya

The tea itself is carefully selected from regulated tea estates in Kenya, then shipped to the UK where it’s blended to Cornish Tea’s secret recipe. The company’s master blenders have been working their magic since 1934, perfecting the art of creating a smooth, full-bodied brew.

6. They Now Produce Over 50 Different Products

What started as a single tea has expanded into a range of over 50 products, including organic fusion teas, loose leaf varieties, decaffeinated options, and even a full line of Cornish Coffee. Their Organic Fusion range includes flavours like Vanilla Chai, Earl Grey with rose petals, and Lemon & Ginger.

7. We Discovered Them on a Trip to Cornwall

Here at Anglotopia, we first came across Cornish Tea during one of our many trips to Cornwall. We spotted that distinctive orange box in a local shop, tried it, and immediately fell in love. There’s something about enjoying a proper Cornish brew while looking out at the Cornish coastline that just feels right. We knew we had to share it with fellow Anglophiles back home.

8. The Boxes Feature Real “Smugglers Crew” Members

If you look closely at Cornish Tea packaging, you’ll notice they celebrate local Cornish heroes—real people nominated for a place on the box. Past honourees have included local musicians, beloved family members, and legends of the sea. It’s a lovely touch that keeps the community spirit alive.

9. Tea Smuggling Once Made Cornwall Rich

Cornwall’s love affair with tea goes back centuries. Before William Pitt the Younger slashed tea taxes in 1784, the county’s smugglers ran vast operations. On a single Sunday, it wasn’t uncommon to see 100 horses waiting on cliff tops to transport contraband inland. Places like Newquay’s Tea Caverns—named for the china tea hidden there—still exist today as reminders of this colourful past.

10. They’re Focused on the Future, Not Just the Past

While they honour Cornwall’s heritage, Cornish Tea is very much a forward-thinking company. They’re constantly pushing boundaries on sustainability, from their plastic-free tea bags to future-friendly packaging initiatives. As they put it, they’re thinking about tomorrow’s tea drinkers as well as today’s.

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Ready to try Cornish Tea for yourself? We stock Smugglers Brew and other Cornish Tea products in the Anglotopia Store. It’s become one of our bestselling British food items—and once you try it, you’ll understand why.