James Finlays had exported 5.1 million kilograms of tea in 2012 despite a three month disruption in to the Syrian market where it’s the firm said its Istikan branded tea enjoyed a strong market.
The firm said its exports to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia the UAE under its Alwazah brand and ethnic Arab communities in North America, Europe and Australasia were maintained at the same level.
Exports under private label brands to Japan and Europe had increased, the firm said.
In the near term there did not seem to be a quick end to social and political changes in the Middle East.
"Our focus therefore will be to enter new markets where hitherto we have not had a sizable presence," the company said.
"We will allocate more resources to pursue these opportunities, while drawing on our network of international trading connections.
"Migrant populations in the We