History

In the year of Canada’s confederation, Saint John, New Brunswick was a vibrant port city. Surrounded by thriving global trade, brothers George L. and William Barbour began wholesaling food products in the present-day Market Square complex. In 1895, George’s son G.E. Barbour became owner and acquired Dickason & Armstrong and began to market King Cole tea and coffee in 1910.

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Vintage Advertising

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King Cole loose teas - circa 1930s & 1940s

Below you can see some of the vintage labels from King Cole Tea.

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King Cole loose tea - 1967

Barbour's & Canada celebrated 100 years in 1967

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Loose Tea or Tea Bags?



Tea bags were introduced in the 1940s. One of the earliest fast foods! They quickly caught on as a convenient way to make tea

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Check out our 1930s price list