The Tata Group is planning to buy UK-based specialty tea company Liberty Tea to expand its presence in the global beverages market and acquire a larger share of the retail shelf space. The talks are still at a nascent stage and senior Tata Tea officials are examining the synergies that the acquisition would bring to its UK presence, the group sources said. Tata Tea's almost total dependence on black tea revenues has forced the beverages major to look at other product categories. The company is now the world's second-largest global branded tea player with a presence in 40 countries and owns brands such as Tetley and Good Earth. Tata Group sources say acquisition of Liberty Tea would benefit Tetley the most, as the 'Super Brand' is currently looking to grow in the rest of Europe, particularly in the former eastern block countries and in the Caribbean. (ET) […]