Producer Profile: McEntee's Fine Tea
McEntee’s Fine Teas is a family business, run by married couple, Donal and Helen McEntee in Co. Louth. Donal, from Ireland and Helen, from the Isle of Man, are united in their passion for tea. Their tea is unmistakably Irish, rich in tradition, with a strength and flavour consistent with their commitment to sourcing from only the world’s finest tea gardens. Very aware of the growing desire for a better quality cup of tea, and the increasing trend back to loose tea because of this, they believe there should be a quality alternative to the big brands in Irish Tea.
McEntee’s Tea looks to ensure that we can continue to enjoy quality Irish blends of loose tea which was so important to previous generations and develop a contemporary range of infusions for the Ireland of today. In a fast-paced modern world, McEntee’s Tea looks to bring us back into the moment. In Ireland, tea has always been one of life’s constants and McEntee’s Tea looks to offer us a rich, unrivalled refreshing taste of home to those living in Ireland and abroad. It gives us a moment to be enjoyed with family, friends or when we need that time to ourselves, reminding us of a simpler time when quality tea was made the way it should be.
McEntee’s Tea Products were launched in March 2018. After spending a number of years developing a business model to sell Irish groceries on on-line marketplaces, such as Amazon and E-bay, the idea was always to progress this online offering to focus on an Irish tea and Infusion products range of our own that we could be proud of, building on our love of tea and the experienced gained on the international online marketplaces.
The Products
Irish Blends of loose tea and Infusions are what Donal and Helen are passionate about. Blended in their family tea business rooted in rural Louth, they bring tea lovers their unique selection of loose teas and infusions.
Irish Blends of loose tea and Infusions are what Donal and Helen are passionate about. Blended in their family tea business rooted in rural Louth, they bring tea lovers their unique selection of loose teas and infusions.
Gold Blend – A traditional Irish favourite for anytime of day, a rich and refreshing blend of Assam and Kenyan premium teas. Awarded 1 star Great Taste Award 2019 and Silver in the Blas Irish Food Awards 2019. Available in 500g Storage Tin, 250g resealable pouch and 1.35Kg Catering Box.
Irish Breakfast Blend – Delivering that distinctive fragrant and lemony brew for all times of the day, not just breakfast, when you need a reviving cup of tea. Awarded Bronze in the Blas Irish Food Awards 2019. Available in 500g Storage Tin, 250g resealable pouch.
Irish Afternoon Blend –Using the finest Sri Lanka Ceylon, Assam and Kenyan teas to produce that perfect balance of strength and flavour that give you that taste of what a traditional Irish Afternoon Tea should be. Available in 250g resealable pouch
Irish Mint & Nettle Infusion - That perfect refreshing and energising drink. Regular consumption of Nettles has been thought to detox the body enabling it to process and flush away toxins, helping to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure. Gold medal award winning in the Irish Food Awards 2019. Available in 75g resealable pouch
Organic Green Sencha Tea - Prepared using the finest Organic Sencha Green Tea from China to produce that light and refreshing taste. Available in 150g resealable pouch
This year was a brilliant year for McEntee's Fine Teas, in June this year they launched three new blends to their range including Irish Mint & Nettle Infusion, Afternoon Blend and Organic Sencha Green Tea.
In August they were awarded a one star in the UK Great Taste Awards. Judged by over 500 of the most demanding palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as a whole host of food writers and journalists, Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakeable Great Taste label is a signpost to a wonderful tasting product.
In early October they attended the Blas na hEireann Food Awards in Dingle as finalists and they were delighted with their success, Gold for their Irish Mint and Nettle Infusion, Silver for the Gold Blend and Bronze for the Irish Breakfast Blend.
When asked if there were any negatives to running an artisan food business Helen tells us "No, I can’t think of any but this assumes you are prepared for the long hours and a myriad of challenges that starting your own business inevitably brings!"
She also shared with us what being a member of Boyne Valley Flavours means for McEntee's Fine Teas-
"Running a small business can be isolating and it is often hard to get noticed, being a part of the Boyne Valley Flavours Group of companies means that you’re amongst other food related businesses from the same geographical area facing similar challenges. With the events organised, website and promotion done by the group it helps strengthen the offering any individual company has to offer as information is shared and friendships developed."
Her advice for other food businesses is to enter the food/tourism awards and to gain as much experience as you can on social media.
They are currently looking for more outlets to sell their beatiful tea. With a very strong foundation online, particularly on the online marketplaces such as Amazon and E-Bay where they sell their tea’s and infusions throughout Europe. As well as selling in a number of local retailers following our success at the Blas na hEireann in October they have been lucky enough to have their product offered by Wrights of Howth in their stores in Dublin Airport.
To find our more about McEntee's Fine Teas visit their website- https://www.mcenteestea.ie/