The Irish Times recently used a picture of Bewley's Darjeeling Tea in a prominent manner to illustrate a general article on Darjeeling tea farming practices in India.
This picture was used from our photographic files and was not intended in any way to associate Bewley's or its branded products with the content of the article.
The article cited a number of malpractices, both in farming techniques and in tea procurement, by international tea traders. A section of this article also referred in a general manner to the selling of Darjeeling teas which had been blended with inferior brands as "Pure Darjeeling".
It further stated that a number of international tea traders had refused to open their stocks for inspection by the Tea Board of India. The Irish Times is happy to acknowledge that Bewley's is formally certified by the Tea Board of India as a purchaser and provider of only Pure Darjeeling Tea. Bewley's is also the largest seller of fairly-traded tea and coffee in Ireland.
The Irish Times did not wish to imply, and the inference should not have been taken by the use of a picture of Bewley's products, that the company is in any way associated with practices outlined in the article.
