Suki (Japanese for love tea) has won a contract to supply its gourmet teas, including its ‘Belfast Brew' to a leading tea house in Tokyo, its first deal in Japan.

Proving the power of social networking in business - the tea company clinched the order over Facebook after from a recommendation to the tea house's owner from a contact in Japan. The owner then began a dialogue with Suki on Facebook that led to the order.

"This is a bit of a ‘coals to Newcastle' triumph for us," says Oscar Woolley, Suki Tea Director. "We've long been fascinated by the Japanese love of tea and their unique approach to serving it.

"To get our business going in Belfast, we imported tea from a Japanese supplier. Selling our own teas, including ‘Belfast Brew' to a Tokyo tea house is a great thrill.

"We've also adopted some of the Japanese tea ritual by developing a range of accessories including a specially designed teapot and matching tray.

Formed in 2005, Suki Tea has grown from selling its products from stalls at the weekly St George's Food Market in Belfast and the regular continental markets in the city. It has won international awards, including UK Great Taste Awards, and is now supplying customers in Europe, the US and further afield.

Among the company's range of teas are Fairtrade Breakfast Tea, Green Tea with Ginseng, Fairtrade Darjeeling, Organic Camomile and Organic Rooibos, and fruity infusions including Mango Tango, Apple Loves Mint, and the exotic rare Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls.