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05
Aug 2023
Yorkshire Tea blender, Warren Ford, dies aged 90
The man behind the blend of Yorkshire Tea, Warren Ford, has died aged 90.
Born in Lewisham, South London, on May 16, 1933, Warren went to school in London before leaving aged 16.
He worked at Tetley’s tea as a senior buyer, before being sought at by Victor Wild, who built up Betty’s tea room in Harrogate, in the 1970s.
By 1976 Warren had been appointed as a director of Taylors and the following year, along with Victor, Jonathan Wild and Eddie Hardie, was one of the original ‘gang of four’ responsible for the creation, launch and early success of Yorkshire Tea.
Warren became fundamental in establishing the foundations for the future growth of Yorkshire Tea. He even suggested the colour orange for the packaging, recognising that it was the most unused colour on the tea shelf.
Jonathan Wild remembers that Warren’s ability gave him confidence in the product.
He said:
The brand, Taylors Yorkshire Tea, was launched in 1977 and became popular. It received royal warrant in 2009.
Reflecting on the gang of four and the creation of the brand, Warren recalled:
Warren Ford died on June 21, 2023.
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