Tata Consumer Products, the food and beverage subsidiary of Tata Group, has secured a two-year agreement to become the official tea advertising partner of The Kia Oval, the renowned cricket ground and home to Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC).
A prominent feature of the collaboration will be Tata Gold, one of the company’s flagship Indian teas. This offering will provide cricket enthusiasts and club supporters with a taste of India, combining the finest Assam teas with those grown in the country’s highlands.
Beyond Tata Tea, the tea menu will also include Tetley and teapigs, other familiar brand products. This extensive selection will be available in hospitality and members’ areas during match days, at conferences and events held at the venue.
The sponsorship grants Tata Consumer Products advertising opportunities at The Kia Oval and across Surrey CCC’s social media platforms.
Notably, the tea break during home Vitality County Championship matches will be rechristened as the “Tata Tea Break,” gaining further visibility through Surrey’s live broadcasts.
Gharry Eccles, International President for Tata Consumer Products, said, “As the nation’s favourite drink, there’s always time for a cup of tea in the UK, especially when there is a break in the sporting action. As an Indian company we love cricket, the sense of community and wellbeing that the Kia Oval bring makes it a great partnership. Through this sponsorship we’ll be able to reach our consumers across the Southeast in many ways, from family days out and experiences at the Kia Oval combined with the simple pleasure that a good cuppa delivers.”
Charlie Buck, Commercial Director at Surrey Cricket, said, “A cup of tea to go with the action-packed cricket at The Kia Oval is always a good idea! We’re delighted to welcome Tata on board as our official tea supplier at Surrey Cricket. Our love for cricket and shared family values unite us with Tata. We’re looking forward to delivering amazing matchday and non-matchday experiences at The Kia Oval with them.”
Tata Consumer Products is a leading integrated food and beverage company in India. Formed in February 2020 through the merger of Tata Chemicals’ consumer products business with Tata Global Beverages, the company boasts a comprehensive product portfolio spanning tea, coffee, water, salt, spices, pulses, cereals, and ready-to-prepare and ready-to-eat food items. Within the tea segment, Tata holds the distinction of being the second-largest branded tea company globally. Standing out as India’s largest purpose-driven company, Tata Consumer Products dedicates a significant portion of its profits to philanthropic causes in the country.
Steeped in history, The Kia Oval transcends the sport of cricket. Established in 1845 as the home ground for Surrey County Cricket Club, it became the first English ground to host a Test match in 1880 and traditionally stages the season’s final Test. The Kia Oval’s legacy extends to major tournaments, having staged the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 and 2017, and most recently, the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final.