Our story
Our sunny history
Find out how Lipton grew from a small tea store in Scotland to a brand spreading sunshine through its tea bags and ready to drink ice tea.
1871
How it started
Thomas Johnston Lipton opens his first shop at 101 Stobcross St. Glasgow, UK. His goal was to promote and democratise tea and make it accessible to all. Even in his early years, Thomas Lipton proved himself to be a true entertainer and marketer, like promoting the launch of his new shop with the worlds biggest wheel of cheese!
1890
First Estate? Check!
Thomas Lipton bought his first tea estates in Ceylon. This is the first important milestone for what is about to become a bright and refreshing future. Thomas Lipton again showed his innovative spirit by developing a rope system for faster tea transport on the estate.
1904
Best Day Ever!
Although it was first mentioned in 1879, the first commercial iced tea was invented by Tea farm owner Richard Bieckynden at the St. Louis fair and is a real inspiration for Lipton Ice Tea.
1964
Ice Tea for everyone!
The Lipton iced tea powder mix is launched in the US. What great news!
1972
Caught some sunshine in a can!
“Can” this get better? Yes, it can! Lipton Ice Tea in a can is introduced in the US. Now people can enjoy their favourite iced tea ready to drink. This is an important moment, as now people can take a little sunshine with them wherever they go.
1975
Powdered Lipton Ice Tea makes its European debut
Lipton Ice Tea in powder form launches in Europe and now even more people can enjoy the deliciously fruity taste of our tea-based beverage.
1991
Going worldwide!
We already knew it, but Lipton Ice Tea is best enjoyed with friends! So, Lipton and Pepsi-Cola form a joint partnership to bring the best iced tea around the world. Ready to Drink Lipton Ice Tea is soon one of the most popular iced teas worldwide. Enjoyed in over 100 countries and number 1 in 16.
2007
Becoming a role model
Lipton becomes the first major tea company to publicly commit to sustainability.
2021
For a Better Future
Lipton Ice Tea takes another step towards a brighter future, with 100% rPET bottles starting to rollout across Europe.
Today
How it’s going!
What a journey it has been so far! By now, with more than 125 years of experience, Lipton is the No. 1 Tea brand globally! Refreshing you for over a century!