It was an original constituent of the FT 30 index of leading companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

[1] International's main blenders were Ridgways,[2] which became part of the group with the acquisition of Star Supply Stores in 1929.

[3] Soon, most towns in Southern England had their own International Tea Co. store,[1] as immortalised in a verse from John Betjeman's poem Myfanwy:[4] Smooth down the Avenue glitters the bicycle, Black-stockinged legs under navy blue serge, Home and Colonial, Star, International, Balancing bicycle leant on the verge.

[6] In 1973, the Price Rite chain was purchased, adding stores to the International brand.

However, BAT decided to sell any business that failed to progress and so the company was sold off in chunks.