UK Tea Brands Yorkshire and PG Tips Support Black Lives Matter
UK tea brands stand in solidarity with George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.
Two celebrated tea brands, Yorkshire and PG Tips, have joined forces and released a mutual message to tea connoisseurs: Support Black Lives Matter or start drinking coffee.
Drink Yorkshire Tea! Because racists suck. #yorkshiretea @yorkshiretea https://t.co/Tv0tGws6w4
— Black Lives Matter (@IamstillKenneth) June 9, 2020
Customers loyally back these bold, anti-racist tea brands.
My @YorkshireTea & @PGtips taste a whole lot better with a side of anti-racism! ☕️ #solidaritea #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/mOVzIBYVs4
— Kia (@KiaReid) June 9, 2020
These tea brands challenge and confront consumers who are rooted in ignorance and prejudice. After one customer, a far-right vlogger based in Yorkshire, expressed her elation and relief regarding Yorkshire’s initial silence on Black Lives Matter, Yorkshire quickly fired back, “Please don’t buy our tea again,” and, “We stand against racism.” Yorkshire justified their delay in releasing a public statement addressing Black Lives Matter, “…We’re taking some time to educate ourselves and plan proper action before we post. We stand against racism. #BlackLivesMatter.”
Please don’t buy our tea again.
We’re taking some time to educate ourselves and plan proper action before we post. We stand against racism.
#BlackLivesMatter— Yorkshire Tea (@YorkshireTea) June 8, 2020
In response to Yorkshire’s fiery rebuttal denouncing the vlogger’s behavior and discouraging her business, she bitterly snapped back that she planned to boycott Yorkshire and convert to rival brand PG Tips. She also joked that, due to the backlash she received, she would have to change her Twitter thread.
It’s gotta hurt when you live in Yorkshire and Yorkshire Tea think you’re an embarrassment to their brand.
Ouch! 😂
Sucks to be you chuck.
— Nas (@Nas_j2020) June 8, 2020
Competitor PG Tips swiftly supported Yorkshire’s actions and tweeted at the Black Lives Matter critic: “…If you are boycotting teas that stand against racism, you’re going to have to find two new tea brands now.”
Yeah it does suck, Pamela. If you are boycotting teas that stand against racism, you’re going to have to find two new tea brands now. #blacklivesmatter #solidaritea
— PG tips (@PGtips) June 8, 2020
PG Tips reassured customers that they are on the right side of history, as they support Black Lives Matter.
No need. #BlackLivesMatter
— PG tips (@PGtips) June 8, 2020
We applaud these companies’ firm, anti-racism stance, and hope that other well-established brands start holding their customers accountable. Both companies and consumers should be held to the same standard: neutrality is racism, and silence is compliance. It’s the act that matters! Racist consumers do not deserve to revel in perpetual tranquility, and we demand accountability.
I am a plucky Sophomore at Wesleyan University with a passion for writing, fashion, running, and extremely strong coffee—so strong that it would make a 6’5’’ WWE wrestler weep. I am a small person with a big personality, only intensified by the coffee, that seeps into both my bold street and writing style. I am currently based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area and am excited to work for such an empowering, female-focused publication. During this trying time in history it is more important than ever for women to continue lifting each other up and spreading positive energy!
