Both TWG Tea and Harney & Sons offer a variety of teas with unique strengths. TWG Tea excels in variety and luxury branding, while Harney & Sons focuses on quality, ethical sourcing, and positive customer feedback. The choice depends on whether the customer prioritizes luxury and variety or value and consistent quality.
| Attribute | TWG Tea | Harney & Sons |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Variety | Over 1,000 varieties, including black, green, white, yellow, blue (Oolong), and red (Rooibos) teas, herbal teas and specialty blends. | Black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas |
| Flavor Profile | Various flavor profiles, including floral, fruity, spicy, malty, and sweet. Some teas have chocolate, caramel, or vanilla notes. | Fruity, floral, and spicy |
| Ingredients Quality and Sourcing | Sources teas from 47 tea-producing locales. Claims to use fine harvest teas. Some reviewers mention the use of sprayed-on aromatics and artificial flavorings. | Carefully selected ingredients, sourced from the best regions around the world, relationships with growers, visits to estates, checks on production, some teas sourced directly from small farms in India, China, Taiwan, and Japan |
| Packaging Quality and Design | Premium packaging, including signature artisan tins and hand-sewn cotton teabags. Luxurious and elegant. Tins have double air-tight lids. | Loose leaf teas in tins, sachets, and tea bags |
| Price per Serving | Generally considered expensive, with prices higher than other tea brands. A single teabag can cost around one Euro. | Varies depending on the tea and quantity. For example, a 4 oz tin of loose leaf English Breakfast tea costs $5.89. |
| Availability (Online and Retail) | Available online and in retail locations worldwide, including TWG Tea salons and boutiques. Presence in major cities across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. | Available online and in retail locations. Tasting rooms and tea shops in Millerton and Soho, New York. Sold in stores like Target. |
| Caffeine Content | Varies depending on the tea type. Black and green teas contain caffeine, while herbal teas and Rooibos are caffeine-free. | Black teas typically have 40 to 60 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. |
| Organic Certifications | Collaborates with plantations that practice sustainable and organic farming. Some partner coffee farmers have received the "Rainforest Alliance" seal. | Some teas are organic and certified kosher. They offer both certified organic and organic options. |
| Ethical Sourcing Practices | Emphasizes sustainability through water conservation, reforestation, and the use of reusable materials. Supports professionals through training and inclusive initiatives, prioritizing diversity, equal opportunities, and community well-being in its sustainable sourcing practices. | Committed to ethical tea trade practices, partner with tea estates that practice sustainable farming, dedicated to making a positive impact in the regions where their teas are sourced. |
| Brand Reputation and History | Established in 2008 in Singapore. The "1837" on the logo refers to the year the Singapore Chamber of Commerce was founded. Positions itself as a luxury tea brand. | Founded in 1983 by John Harney, reputation for high-quality products and innovative approaches to tea blending and packaging. |
| Customer Reviews and Ratings | Reviews are mixed. Some customers praise the quality, flavor, and overall experience. Others find the tea overpriced and the quality not commensurate with the price. | Generally receive positive customer reviews. For example, the Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea has 4.9/5 stars after 7.4k reviews. |
| Specialty Blends and Limited Editions | Offers a variety of specialty blends, such as Singapore Breakfast Tea, Silver Moon Tea, and Grand Wedding Tea. Creates new varieties of tea every season. | Specialty collections, such as teas inspired by historic palaces and those connected to Agatha Christie. Seasonal and limited-edition teas. |