A TEA and coffee specialist says it wants to strengthen its market position and secure further deals after enjoying a stellar 2013.

Ringtons Beverages, the food services division of Ringtons, now works with clients including Cooplands Bakery, Aspers Casino, The Victoria Hotel, in Manchester, and Blackpool’s historical Grand Theatre.

It specialises in supplying restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and department stores across the UK with tea and coffee, and says it wants to increase its presence outside the North-East while offering specialist barista training.

Stephen Drysdale, Ringtons Beverages' head of department, said: “Throughout 2013 we have secured a range of major new contracts, which has seen the expansion of our client-base across several key sectors, from hotels and casinos to health clubs and garden centres.

“In addition to increasing our client list, we have also grown our regional footprint across the UK after the appointment of three new business development managers in the last 18 months.

“That has allowed us to further boost our presence across the North of England and the East Midlands,and we can now boast customers as far afield as Aberdeen, Canterbury and Plymouth.”

Ringtons' famous horse and cart was a common sight across the streets of the region when the company was founded in 1907.

Today, it employs more than 200 doorstep delivery van drivers, while Ringtons' online shop is used by customers all over the world.