A leading light in Birmingham’s then thriving tea trade has died at the age of 100.
Tributes have been paid to former Typhoo Tea managing director John Tustain, who oversaw the firm’s merger with Schweppes in 1968, and then a further merger with Bournville confectionery giant, Cadbury’s, to create the food and beverage giant, Cadbury Schweppes in 1969.
Mr Tustain who was also a past fellow of the Institute of Directors and president of the Birmingham branch of the Institute of Marketing, died on October 26.
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He succeeded his father Alfred – who worked alongside founder John Sumner – on the Typhoo board. He became a major face in the sector, as president of the Tea Buyers’ Association and chairman of the 海角视频 Tea Council.
His son Brian said the merger with Schweppes at that time showed their considerable and collective business acumen.
He said: “In 1968, it was announced to the markets, that Typhoo Tea had completed a merger with Schweppes, a London-based soft drinks company, with an international brand product portfolio. The two businesses were similar in size and on the face of it, immense sales and distribution benefits for both brands.
“With his chairman and good friend Harry Kelly, together they led the negotiations with skill and efficiency and all in unique and utmost secrecy – it was to prove a masterstroke of business strategy in view of timing and the rise of the supermarkets and their immense buying power.
“John, with Harry, were appointed directors of the new business, along with Harry’s son, David Kelley. The new company, Typhoo Schweppes was born, valuing Typhoo Tea then, in excess of £45 million.”
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Mr Tustain was later appointed as vice chairman of Cadbury Schweppes after the further merger just one year later.
Son Brian added: “Cadbury Typhoo developed through the 1970s as a leading food and beverage manufacturer. John recalled one of his major successes was acquiring the Kenco Coffee Company, at the time a London-based coffee roaster owned by the Trust Houses Group, for £2 million, a bargain considering the value of this brand today.
“There were also downsides; and I remember him recalling the dark and very upsetting day of announcing the closure of the Kardomah business based in Liverpool.
“He never shirked his responsibilities and personally travelled to the factory to make the announcement to all the staff in person.”
Mr Tustain was a keen sportsman, golfer, runner, hockey player and cricketer, educated at Solihull School and Downing College Cambridge.
He was also a much-loved family man. He married Doris in 1946 and they had three children who survive him today, Rosemary, Nigel and Brian. After Doris died in 1982, he married Peggy Staples. She died in 2006. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
“A true Brummie, whose passing marks the end of an era,” added his son Brian.