History of Bell
Norman Harper Bell was the founder of The Bell Tea Company. Norman Harper Bell’s driving passion was work. Not only an excellent tea blender, he was also an astute businessman, understanding the many essentials of marketing a first class product, good distribution, customer retention and public relations.
The Bell Tea Company has operated during the turbulent years of two World Wars and the Great Depression, each having a profound effect on its fortunes.
Today the Bell Tea Company is committed to bringing New Zealand new tastes in tea. Drinking tea has been part of New Zealand culture for so long and The Bell Tea Company is proud to continue to provide a range of refreshing great tasting teas for every occasion.
2009
Launch of India Origin Tea
2007
Launch of Bell Green Tea. Unfortunately the All Blacks didn
2006
Launch of Bell Decaf. Acquisition of Burton Hollis Coffee Company.
2004
Launch of Bell Pure Ceylon. NZ Population 4.1 million. Tea consumption 0.98kg per capita.
2003
Introduction of new eco-friendly packaging for teabags using barrier proofing technology to retain freshness.
1989
Twinnings agreement for Bell Tea Company to act as New Zealand agent including local production.
1974
Bell teabags launched.
1969
Teabags introduced into New Zealand. Edglets and Tiger tea brands purchased from J. Rattray & Son Ltd.
1967
Auckland factory built and production commenced. Decimal currency introduced.
1966
First television advertising campaign for the company
1963
Amber Tips purchased from Fletcher Humphreys.
1960
Bell Tea horoscopes appeared in newspapers every Monday as lead advertising campaign.
1939
World War II
1937
Loose leaf tea production changed from tins to cardboard packaging.
1932
Coupon Trading Act takes effect making it illegal to redeem coupons for anything other than cash or discount.
1924
Hope St factory in full operation.
1923
Hope St property purchased in Dunedin
1914
World War I. Bell one pound tins became enormously popular for sending food and comfort parcels to troops abroad as the tin dimensions met requirements to receive special postage concessions.
1908
Norman Harper Bell dies of diabetes and his son Norman Harper Bell Jnr becomes Acting Manager. The Bell Tea Company is registered in November. NZ population 1.1 million. Tea consumption 6.97lb per capita.
1905
Norman Harper Bell commences business as a tea merchant (The Bell Tea Company)
1902
Norman Harper Bell introduces coupons to New Zealand market offering gifts as an incentive to purchase Bell Tea.
1898
Bell Tea introduced and trademark registered.
1894
Norman Harper Bell arrived from Melbourne to join the Tea Department of R. Wilson & Company.
1862
Robert Wilson founded R. Wilson & Company, later to go into partnership with Norman Harper Bell.
