A good cup of tea can be part of my quiet morning, a catch-up with friends or simply a little pause in a busy day. So, when a tea brand reaches 40 years, there’s certainly something worth celebrating.
I recently joined Ahmad Tea in Kuala Lumpur as the brand marked its 40th anniversary with a Ruby Jubilee celebration, celebrating four decades of family heritage, tea craftsmanship and its commitment to quality.
Let me share their amazing story with you.
Ahmad Tea’s story began in Southampton, England, in 1986, when Mr. Rahim Afshar and his brothers started the family business with a simple philosophy: never compromise on quality and always create products that are good enough to serve at home.
What started as a small family tea shop has since grown into a British tea brand available in more than 80 markets around the world. Despite its global presence, Ahmad Tea remains family-owned, with its original passion for tea still at the heart of the business.
Over the years, the brand has built an extensive collection ranging from classic British black teas to herbal infusions and more contemporary varieties. Its approach combines careful tea selection, blending expertise and an appreciation of the different ways people enjoy their tea.
At the Ruby Jubilee celebration in Malaysia, one of the highlights was the 40-Year Heritage Wall, which offered a glimpse into Ahmad Tea’s journey. There were also curated tea-tasting sessions, giving us the opportunity to explore the brand’s diverse range.
Adding to the fun, we also got to have our sketches done and create our own tea blend to bring home. And of course, it was great catching up with friends at Ahmad Tea too. Events like this are always a little more special when you get to enjoy the experience, share conversations and create new memories together over a cup of tea.
A New Chapter for Ahmad Tea
Turning 40 isn’t just about looking back. Ahmad Tea is also using this milestone to introduce new ideas and reach a new generation of tea drinkers.
The celebration marked the launch of its Sencha, bringing the brand’s tea-blending expertise to a Japanese-inspired green tea variety. The new Sencha will also be available in supermarkets soon. Another exciting announcement was the appointment of Premier League footballer Antoine Semenyo as Ahmad Tea’s Global Brand Ambassador.
The partnership forms part of Ahmad Tea’s global “Preparation Is Everything” campaign, which focuses on preparation, discipline and consistency — qualities that are just as important when pursuing excellence as they are in sport.
Celebrating Heritage While Looking Ahead
What I found most interesting about Ahmad Tea’s 40th anniversary is that the celebration isn’t simply about four decades of history. It is also about how a family-owned business can preserve its heritage while continuing to evolve with changing tastes and lifestyles.
From a small tea shop in Southampton to a brand now enjoyed across more than 80 markets, Ahmad Tea’s journey has certainly come a long way.
And with new teas, new collaborations and plenty more cups to come, here’s to 40 years of Ahmad Tea — and many more tea moments ahead.