Our January 2019 Newsletter

So as we leave January behind we thought we’d share a few of our plans for the coming year…

We are an ambitious bunch here at BRUU, and we are constantly looking for ways that we can improve our lovely tea club. We also like to act on the feedback that you give us, both the good and the bad. So, here are the top things on our list for the year.

1) Be more environmentally friendly
One of the key areas you asked BRUU to improve was our green credentials. So, we started in the office, and we now have a dedicated recycling centre and have already noticed the positive difference when we put the bins out every week. We have signed up to a Friends of the Earth initiative for going plastic-free on Fridays. For more information check it out here. 

However, one of the biggest changes we have put in place is improving our packaging so it is now all FSC and EPD compliant as well as being entirely recyclable. We are working on eliminating our use of plastic too, but that’s looking a little trickier at the moment, but watch this space. Read more about it in our recent blog.

2) Better labelling
You will begin to notice changes over the coming months with our product labelling, as we aim to show more information to help people with allergies or intolerances. 

3) A shiny new website
Our website got a lot of traffic in 2018 and we think it’s time to give it a refresh. So, our trusty design team are already busy coming up with new concepts with the aim of launching our improve website in May this year.

4) Visit China
As some of you will know, the team has visited India and Sri Lanka in recent years to source some incredible teas. With a growing preference among our members for green tea, we’re heading to China in February to visit some plantations and source some incredible new teas for this growing category. Watch this space!

5) Continue to develop and grow our team
We already have 7 people working in the BRUU team and this year we would like to double it. We’re currently recruiting for an Apprentice and have plans to bring in more people to join the dispatch, marketing and design teams. More people means more energy to make BRUU even better. LOVELY!

6) Upgrade the tea system
Last year we made significant improvements to BRUU, allowing our members to further personalise the teas we send. In fact, it was a move that put us at the forefront of the industry and to our knowledge, we are the only tea club in the world that offers a truly personalised box. 

This year we want to continue to improve our clever little tea engine, that powers which teas you get in each box, so our plan is to use the rating system more (available in your member's area) and also to offer a loyalty and referral scheme. The plan is slightly behind schedule, however, owing to losing a key developer but we are busy finding a replacement to get the much-needed features launched.

7) Shout about BRUU more 
Since launching BRUU in 2014, we have not had a marketing budget or spent much time promoting what we do. Our members have all come organically and through recommendations, which is amazing. But in 2019 we want to tell more people about our club, so expect to see lots more activity from us on social media and with influencers. 

We really appreciate everyone that completed our survey, which has helped set the direction for us this year and as always we are so thankful for your continued support and love. Here's to an amazing 2019 for BRUU and all of you!