1867
Confederation, and brothers George L. and William Barbour establish a food wholesaling business in what is now Market Square, Saint John, NB.
1895
George Barbour’s son G.E. Barbour becomes owner, adding the tea and coffee offerings of newly acquired Dickason & Armstrong.
1908
A New York tea merchant sends samples of tea to his customers in small silk pouches. They mistakenly assume the bags are to replace their metal infusers. Unintentionally, the tea bag is born!
1910
The King Cole Tea brand is introduced on South Market Wharf in Saint John, New Brunswick
1930
The King Cole Old English Blend Tea box has always been orange!
1940
Tea bags start to catch on as a convenient and reliable way to brew a delicious cup of tea.
1950
King Cole Teas can be found in most Atlantic Canadian cupboards.
1967
Barbours, and Canada, celebrate 100 years.
2010
The King Cole Tea brand turns 100!
2013
King Cole introduces new packaging and tea flavours.
