Tea drinkers are expressing their frustration after Twinings discontinued its beloved Lapsang Souchong blend, replacing it with a new option that many are comparing to “stale cigarettes.” This centuries-old Chinese tea, known for its smoky flavor and favored by historical figures like Winston Churchill, has been swapped for a blend called Distinctively Smoky. The decision has ignited a wave of backlash from loyal fans who feel the new blend fails to capture the essence of the original.
In an announcement to The Sunday Times, Twinings explained that they faced challenges in sourcing the original Lapsang Souchong blend, leading them to make the difficult choice to delist it. The company claims that the new blend aims to replicate the distinctive flavor of the original. However, many customers are skeptical, expressing their disappointment on social media and in reviews.
Adding to the frustration, Twinings has also reduced the size of its tea packs, decreasing the number of bags from 100 to 80. While the company insists that this move was intended to lower retail prices, many consumers feel that it adds insult to injury as they mourn the loss of a cherished flavor. The backlash has been swift, with customers vocalizing their dissatisfaction and questioning the quality of the new offering.
Tea Drinkers' Backlash
Since the announcement, numerous tea enthusiasts have taken to social media platforms to voice their discontent. Many users have described the new Distinctively Smoky blend as lacking the deep, rich flavors that Lapsang Souchong is known for. One particularly critical review mentioned that the new tea tasted like “sipping a swimming pool after a chemical incident.” Such strong sentiments illustrate the emotional attachment many have to the original blend.
Moreover, some loyal customers who have enjoyed Lapsang Souchong for decades expressed feelings of heartbreak over the change. They argue that the new blend does not do justice to the unique qualities that made Lapsang Souchong a staple in their tea collections. This emotional response highlights the significance of product authenticity in maintaining customer loyalty.
Twinings Response to Feedback
In response to the backlash, Twinings has reiterated its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company acknowledged the disappointment expressed by its customers, stating that they are continuously reviewing their product offerings based on consumer feedback. Twinings aims to ensure that their new blends meet the high standards that tea drinkers expect.
Additionally, the brand is exploring ways to improve the new Distinctively Smoky blend, taking customer feedback into consideration. This proactive approach may help mitigate some of the negative sentiment surrounding the recent changes and restore faith in the brand among its loyal customers.
Impact on Brand Loyalty
The decision to discontinue a popular product can significantly impact brand loyalty. Twinings’ choice to replace Lapsang Souchong has sparked discussions about the importance of listening to consumer preferences. Many customers feel that their voices should be heard in matters that affect products they cherish.
As a result, Twinings may face challenges in retaining its customer base if the new blend fails to resonate with tea drinkers. The situation serves as a reminder for brands to remain attuned to their customers’ desires and preferences, especially when it comes to beloved products. For now, tea enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how Twinings navigates this transition and responds to the outcry.
