No, Red Rose Tea is not going out of business. As of 2026, the brand remains active, producing and selling tea online, and is still available in select retail stores. The confusion around “is Red Rose Tea going out of business” comes from visible changes over the years, not from the brand shutting down.
Red Rose Tea continues to operate in both the United States and Canada, but it no longer follows the same mass-retail and manufacturing model it once did. Production locations shifted, ownership changed, and the brand adapted some traditions for online use. These changes created rumors, especially among long-time customers who noticed fewer boxes on shelves or missing figurines.
Why Do People Think Red Rose Tea Is Going Out of Business?
The rumor did not start because of bankruptcy or product recalls. It started because familiar things disappeared.
The Figurines Were Removed From Store Boxes
For decades, Red Rose Tea was famous for including small Wade porcelain figurines inside every box. In 2018, the brand stopped placing figurines in grocery-store packaging. Many customers assumed this meant the company was struggling.
In reality, Red Rose shifted figurine distribution to online orders. The company reduced waste, theft, and retail costs while keeping the tradition alive for collectors.
Factory Closures Were Misunderstood
Several factory closures made headlines and fueled speculation:
- The historic Saint John, New Brunswick factory closed in 1988
- A U.S. production facility shut down operations in 2018
These closures marked the end of specific locations, not the end of the brand. Production moved to other licensed manufacturers instead of stopping.
Ownership Changes Created Confusion
Red Rose Tea has changed owners multiple times over its long history. Each transition led to “end of an era” headlines that confused consumers searching for clear answers.
Who Owns Red Rose Tea Today?
Red Rose Tea operates under different ownership depending on the country.
United States
In the U.S., Red Rose Tea is owned by Harris Tea Company. Harris acquired the brand from Redco Foods in 2018 and continues to manufacture Red Rose Tea under license. Redco Foods is connected to Teekanne, one of Europe’s largest tea producers.
Canada
In Canada, Red Rose Tea is owned and distributed by Lipton Teas and Infusions. The brand remains widely available across Canadian grocery stores and online platforms.
Is Red Rose Tea Still Being Made?
Yes. Red Rose Tea is still actively produced. The brand continues to sell its classic black tea blends using established sourcing and quality standards. While manufacturing locations changed, the product itself did not disappear.
You can still find Red Rose Tea through:
- Major online retailers
- Regional grocery stores
- The official Red Rose Tea website
Availability may vary by location, but production continues.
How Red Rose Tea Adapted to Modern Retail
Red Rose Tea did not decline. It adapted to changing consumer habits and modern retail trends. The brand shifted its strategy while preserving its core identity.
A Stronger Focus on Online Sales
Online sales allow the brand to:
- Reach loyal customers directly
- Offer figurines without retail complications
- Maintain tighter quality and inventory control
Leaner Retail Distribution
Instead of competing for shelf space nationwide, Red Rose focuses on high-demand regions and direct-to-consumer sales.
Heritage-Based Branding
Red Rose continues to highlight its long history, often referencing its 130-year legacy and traditional tea culture.
Is Red Rose Tea Safe to Drink?
Red Rose Tea follows food safety regulations in both the U.S. and Canada. Like most traditional black teas, it undergoes testing and quality control through its manufacturing partners. Concerns about tea safety often relate to heavy metals, which leads to one of the most common questions consumers ask.
FAQs About Red Rose Tea
1. Where is Red Rose Tea made today?
Red Rose Tea is produced in licensed facilities in the United States and Canada, depending on the market. Manufacturing is handled by regional partners rather than a single historic factory.
2. Is Red Rose Tea sold in the US?
Yes. Red Rose Tea is sold in the United States through online retailers, select grocery stores, and the brand’s official website.
3. Where is Red Rose Tea made today?
For U.S. customers, production is managed by Harris Tea Company. In Canada, production and distribution are handled by Lipton Teas and Infusions.
4. What teas are high in heavy metals?
Some teas grown in polluted soil or harvested from older plants may contain higher levels of heavy metals. This can include certain black, green, and herbal teas sourced from contaminated regions. Reputable brands test their products to stay within safety limits.
Why Red Rose Tea Still Matters
Red Rose Tea remains relevant because it kept its core identity while adjusting to modern consumer habits. Many legacy brands disappear when they fail to adapt. Red Rose chose a different path. It reduced unnecessary retail costs, shifted traditions online, and partnered with established tea manufacturers. These moves allowed the brand to survive without sacrificing quality or recognition.
