PG Tips could be sold by its owner Unilever as consumers go cold on traditional black tea and switch to herbal brews. The consumer goods giant has announced a strategic review of its global tea business, with brands including Lipton, Brooke Bond and Lyons. Unilever said the division, the biggest tea business in the world, had expanded into premium, fruit and herbal markets in recent years. "However, sales of traditional black tea, the largest segment of the category, have been in decline in developed markets for several years due to changing consumer preferences," the company said. Despite changes in consumer tastes, black tea remains the dominant part of its tea business, selling in 60 countries and generating €3bn (£2.5bn) in annual sales.
