Buying tea could be just your cuppa
YOUR morning cup of tea could be the key to a new career. Henry Boocock, 28, loves tea so much that he’s now a buyer for Taylors of Harrogate, makers of Yorkshire Tea.
Henry says: ‘Travelling the world buying tea sounded perfect, so after a degree in international business, I joined Taylors as a trainee tea buyer.
‘There is such variety in this job, from building strong relationships with suppliers to seeing the impact we have on the farmers we work with.
‘Knowing I have a positive effect on customers’ lives makes me smile, as well as being able to taste thousands of teas from all over the world.’
To those who fancy a career in tea, Henry says: ‘There is no traditional path linked to particular subjects. Opportunities are not common, so monitor company websites and be prepared for fierce competition.’
Ian Brabbin, head of tea at Taylors of Harrogate, says: ‘Around every two years we recruit a trainee tea buyer. We look for a passion for all types of tea, so it helps if candidates have perhaps set up a tea blog or taken a tea-tasting course.’
The minimum requirement is A-levels with at least a B in GCSE maths, as numerical skills are important in buying.
Two years in, trainees go on a six-month trip to visit tea suppliers in India and Africa, often travelling to remote tea farms.
Interpersonal skills are needed to nurture relationships with growers.
Mr Brabbin adds: ‘Previous experience in negotiation, sensory tasting or logistics helps, as does having travelled to teaproducing countries.’
Ted Woodward, of the Food and Drinks Federation, says: ‘The food and drink industry needs 130,000 people in the next decade. Check company websites regularly.’
For more on careers in food and drink, see: tastesuccess.co.uk and leatherheadfood.com.