The “Overweight-Tea Story”

On March 8, 1915, a charismatic Irishman named Robert C. Kidd opened his first store in New Westminster, B.C. Armed with $500 and unique concepts on merchandising techniques, Kidd set out to change food retailing in the West.

Our founder believed that to stay ahead of the competition, you had to be different and offer customers more than they expect, so he set about developing innovative merchandising techniques to attract customers.

One of his most famous strategies was his practice of adding an extra two ounces into each pound of his best Indian and Ceylon blended teas. Customers soon heard about the 18-ounce pound of tea and his shop became known as the “overweight-tea store”.

Later, it was shortened to “Overwaitea” and then evolved to Overwaitea Foods. As public recognition grew for Overwaitea Foods top quality goods, courteous service and low prices, so did business. And we’ve been growing ever since.