LOCAL tea and coffee merchant Miles has been ranked among the top tea brands for four years in a row.

Best Brands magazine 2016/17 edition shows Miles is now the second most popular brand for independent retailers to stock in the UK. The family-based business has moved up two places since first being voted in the top five brands.

John Halls, operations director, (pictured) said: “This is a brilliant recognition for food and drink producers in Somerset and the West Country. It is just the kind of positive news we need to kick start another season.

“We have also had a good year with stores such as Tesco seeing an increase of 20 per cent in the sales of Miles tea and hot chocolate. We hope next time we might make the top spot in Best Brands.”

John said he believed Miles outranked the giant brands in the tea market because of its heritage and quality: “We’ve got a genuine story to tell of family tradition along with great tasting blends.

“A recent survey shows customers try our products and then stay brand loyal – that’s a good indication of our consistent quality. The Somerset coastal location is very important, with our secret being West Country warmth!”