AN award-winning trader is expanding his tea and coffee businesses.

Thomas Cheung, of Egremont, opened his tea wholesale business, Y-tea, in 2018.

The business was initially operating online from Thomas’ home and later from an office space in Cleator Moor and a stall on Keswick Market.

But noticing a gap in the market for bubble tea shops in Cumbria, he opened Deja Brew — which also sells his own brand of coffee — in March, 2020, in High Street in Cleator Moor.

Thomas said: “We currently employ six people and we hope to create more opportunities in our local area later this year when we open our new outlet in Egremont.”

Bubble tea is a Taiwanese recipe that mixes milk, fruit and fruit juices in tea.

And the community has welcomed his business, particularly the Deja Brew shop, with open arms.

Thomas said: “We have received a tremendous amount of support from the local community, especially with the cafe.

He said: “Many local residents are actively using our click-and-collect service and they have truly helped us through this difficult time.

He said: “The same for Y-tea, we have seen an increase in our postal orders which again, has helped us massively.”

Thomas, originally from Hong Kong, has big plans for his tea business going forward.

He said: “In the coming years, Y-tea will focus on the wholesale side of business, we will approach new stockists and, more importantly, support and work with our existing stockists.

And Déjà Brew hopes to continue to expand in Cumbria by opening more outlets to better serve our customers."

Thomas added: “By continuing to expand both our businesses, we hope to create more employment opportunities in Cumbria.”

The owner of Deja Brew took home four accolades in the Great Taste Awards last year, receiving the prestigious black and gold Great Taste label for his products.

Earlier this month, Thomas’ workshop for his bubble tea products received the highest possible hygiene rating, five stars, in Copeland Borough Council and the Food Standards Agency’s checks.

We want to hear about more businesses who are going above and beyond for their customers.

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