Chai can easily be called the national beverage: Amuleek Singh Bijral

Given how popular coffee has become, it might be impossible for any other competitor to compete at all. However, tea continues to be the undefeated winner in India, making coffee a second-choice beverage. A daily morning ritual, a conversation starter, and an emotion, tea is more than just a beverage. It is so ingrained in Indian culture that you can obtain a cup of tea or chai from large restaurants to little street vendors. Also, tea lovers visit restaurants just in search of the highest-quality tea. Therefore, locating the highest-quality tea leaves is like discovering gold for restaurants. Because the more satisfied customers are, the more important it is for their brand's reputation. Given that restaurant and cafe owners wish to succeed in their business, choosing the best tea brand is crucial for them.

Therefore, in this article, we will be listing some of the famous and most used brands in Indian restaurants and cafes. It highlights what makes them a favorite among customers and an ideal choice for business owners. We will look at each brand's strengths, from their varied range of goods to their supply chain dependability and their role in turning the common chai into a gourmet offering.

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The Evolving Tea Market in the Indian Hospitality Sector

In India, there are two levels to the enormous tea market. One side consists of the typical loose-leaf tea granules that are used to make the traditional masala chai. However, due to the influence of global tea culture and health-conscious customers, a new market has formed. This category covers a broad range of herbal infusions as well as specialized teas like white tea, oolong tea, and green tea. It is now expected of modern cafés and fine-dining venues to provide a varied tea menu that satisfies customers' interest in international flavors as well as their fondness for classic chai.

As a result of this demand, specialized businesses that target the business-to-business (B2B) hospitality market have grown in popularity. These companies are aware of the particular requirements of cafés and restaurants, which include reliable quality, bulk packaging, affordable prices, and a stable supply chain.

The Top Tea Brands in the Indian Market for Restaurants

This is a carefully selected list of the most well-known and popular tea brands in the Indian food service sector, each of which offers something special.

1. Tata Tea

With its headquarters located in Mumbai, Tata Tea is a dominant force in the Indian tea market and a household name that is closely associated with quality and trust. Due to their huge scale, they are the preferred choice for busy cafés and restaurants that require a dependable and reasonably priced supply of tea for their everyday operations. With well-known flavors including Tata Tea Premium and Tata Tea Gold, Tata Tea's wide range of products suits a variety of palates and price ranges. The standard for making traditional masala chai is Tata Tea Premium, which is renowned for its steady, potent flavor and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) leaves.

Many people like Tata Tea Gold, a blend of CTC and long leaves, as a premium brew because it provides a richer, more aromatic taste. Tata Tea has an affordable price range that makes it a top option for a wide number of restaurants around the nation, from little chai stalls to massive industrial kitchens, even though specific pricing varies depending on bulk orders. For companies of all sizes seeking a tea renowned for its consistent taste and consistency, they are a safe and dependable partner due to their well-known brand and easy accessibility.

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2. Taj Mahal Tea (Brooke Bond)

Mumbai-based Taj Mahal Tea is the signature product of the Brooke Bond family, known for its recognizable "wah Taj" advertisement and a heritage in the luxury tea industry. For cafes and luxury restaurants looking to market their chai as a high-end product, this brand is the selection. Sourced from carefully chosen, premium leaves from Assam and other premier tea-growing locations, Taj Mahal Tea is well-known for its distinct scent and rich, full-bodied flavor. When brewed with Indian spices, its long-leaf formula offers it a superior taste that holds its own, making it the ideal base for a spicy ginger tea or an aromatic masala chai. Although it costs a little more than other mass-market teas, its exceptional quality makes it worth the money for businesses looking to give their customers a unique and elegant tea experience.

3. Organic India

Organic India, based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has distinguished itself in the market by emphasizing sustainability and well-being. For organic restaurants, yoga centers, and health-conscious cafes that serve customers who value ethical sourcing and well-being, this brand is a great option. Their Tulsi Tea line is well-known and a favorite among customers looking for a caffeine-free, healthful beverage. The company's certified organic goods come in a range of infusions, including ginger, lemongrass, peppermint, and chamomile, and are prepared from leaves cultivated on their own sustainable farms. These herbal infusions are ideal for a varied menu and make a fantastic substitute for regular tea. Although their products are more expensive than traditional teas, their value in terms of health advantages and brand alignment with a socially aware image make them an attractive partner for companies trying to build a name for themselves in the wellness market.

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4. Wagh Bakri Tea

Wagh Bakri Tea, a well-known name in the Indian tea market, has a century-long history and is based in Ahmedabad. For cafés and quick-service restaurants that require a premium, flavorful tea for daily use, this brand is a popular option. Chai enthusiasts instinctively trust Wagh Bakri's steady blend and well-balanced flavor profile. Their name, which means "tiger and goat," represents a perfect combination that all people, regardless of their social status, can enjoy. Their leaves are expertly chosen to offer the ideal mix of strength and aroma, and they are sourced from premium tea gardens. To meet the changing needs of the market, they provide a range of herbal mixes and green teas in addition to their traditional black tea. Many restaurants throughout the nation use this brand because of its dependability and reputation for providing a traditional, flawless cup of chai.

5. Lipton Tea (Unilever)

Lipton Tea, an international business with a significant following in India and a Mumbai headquarters as a division of Unilever, is well-known for its convenience and diversity. Hotels and restaurants that need to provide a large assortment of teas in a single-serve size favor this brand. Popular tastes, including traditional black tea, lemon tea, and several green tea infusions, are among Lipton's products, which are mostly sold in tea bags. The brand is a flexible option for a varied menu because it also offers particular herbal blends, such as Lipton Green Tea with Mint. Because it speeds up the brewing process and saves space, this product style is perfect for quick-service counters, in-room dining, and breakfast buffets. Lipton is an important and dependable partner for businesses looking to offer customers a speedy, hassle-free tea service because of its extensive availability and reputation as a tea bag model holder.

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6. Goodwyn Tea

Known for its premium, fragrant blends and direct-from-garden sourcing, Goodwyn Tea is a rising powerhouse in the specialty tea market, with its headquarters located in Kolkata. By using a farm-to-cup business strategy, they guarantee that the tea is as fresh as possible when it is delivered to the customer. For cafés and tea lounges looking to provide a carefully selected and elegant tea experience, this brand is a great option. They have a large selection of black, green, white, and oolong teas in addition to a well-liked line of herbal and flavored infusions. Their unique flavors, which are ideal for a non-dairy tea menu, include Moringa Mint, Hibiscus Cinnamon, and a traditional chamomile tea. The premium quality and freshness of the leaves are reflected in the mid-to-high price range. Goodwyn is a great partner for businesses trying to further develop their tea options and satisfy a selective customer base because of its dedication to providing a premium, fresh product.

7. Vahdam Teas

A pioneer in the Indian tea market, Vahdam Teas was established in New Delhi and is well-known for its creative e-commerce strategy that sends fresh, single-origin teas straight to consumers all over the world. Luxury hotels, premium restaurants, and specialized cafes that value excellence, openness, and an original narrative are ideal matches for this brand in the Indian B2B market. Delivering garden-fresh products, Vahdam draws its teas from India's finest gardens, such as those in Darjeeling, Assam, and the Nilgiris. They have a wide selection of medicinal and flavored teas, as well as rare and single-region teas. Popular kinds of Vahdam include a pure Chamomile Herbal Tea, Lemon Ginger Masala Chai, and Turmeric Spiced Herbal Tea. They are a great option for companies looking to develop a really special tea menu since, despite their higher price range, their better quality and premium packaging offer an unmatched luxurious tea experience.

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Conclusion

India's fondness for tea is unchanging, even in the face of international coffee dominance. The contemporary Indian restaurant and café recognizes that a properly prepared cup of tea is a crucial component of the welcoming atmosphere. From the heritage of Taj Mahal and Wagh Bakri to the inventiveness of Organic India, Goodwyn Tea, and Vahdam Teas, the brands featured in this article are the unnoticed collaborators that enable businesses to create success. One cup at a time, restaurateurs can create an engaging brand story in addition to serving an excellent beverage by carefully selecting their tea supplier. With the ideal balance of quality, innovation, and tradition, tea's future in Indian hospitality is bright.

As a passionate 'tea man', Managing Director of Teamonk Global, Ashok Mittal has spent nearly four decades in the fascinating world of teas. Currently, he is heading a company born out of his passion for teas – Teamonk Global.

Teamonk Global is a speciality tea portal, driven by a single-minded vision of offering the finest teas to the consumers across the world. It offers teas from the choicest tea gardens both through e-commerce platforms and selected retail outlets.

Managing Director of Teamonk Global, Ashok Mittal, started his career with Lipton as a management trainee in the tea division, having spent 15 years in perfecting the art of tea tasting, buying, blending, quality control with good understanding of the tea manufacturing process and heading tea-buying units in Siliguri, Guwahati, Kolkata and South India. After 22 years of association with Lipton, Brooke Bond India, Ashok Mittal seconded Unilever Indonesia to head their domestic tea operations. Since 2012, Ashok Mittal is associated with Mohani Tea, the largest tea company in North India, as a consultant VP and has helped the Group in sustainable growth. 

In an interview with Restaurant India, Managing Director of Teamonk Global, Ashok Mittal speaks about the growth of the tea industry in India.

Story Behind TeaMonk Global

Teamonk is a speciality tea venture, focused on high end, premium green, oolong, white and black teas, specially curated by the experts, catering to the tea connoisseurs and tea lovers. These are pure and natural teas with natural ingredients to enhance the taste (green teas) and we do not use any flavour, essence or oil in our products. Our supply chain and customer service is world class and we deliver freshest teas to our discerning consumers.

Also Read: What’s Your Favourite Cup Of Tea

Contribution to the HoReCa Segment

We are in the process of introducing our brand in the institutions, cafes, resorts and big hotels and expect to develop it as a significant channel in near future.

Popular Misconceptions about Brewing, Drinking or Cooking with Tea

Tea was always meant to be brewed to enjoy its natural taste and flavour. Unfortunately, in South-Asian countries, people started using tea more as a dessert or filler in between meals for energy which led to excessive use of milk and sugar in the tea with boiling to thicken the beverage. The tea character has been diluted significantly over the decades. In order to enjoy tea with its natural character, it is important that it is always brewed and very little milk and sugar are added to ensure the tea character is not diluted. 

Tea Industry in India and Its Growth

Pic credit | Teamonk

The tea industry is gradually evolving towards healthier and non-conventional teas as the younger generation is far more health conscious and realizes the harmful effects of excessive milk and sugar consumption in the beverage. Green and other speciality teas are growing significantly and will continue to grow with the increase in health awareness.

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Health and Wellness an Integral Part of Food and Beverage Industry

Health and wellness is an integral part of the F&B (food and beverage) industry. People are making a conscious choice of going for brown eggs, fibre bread, non-carbonated beverages, organic foods, green vegetables, etc.

Therefore, it is quite natural that any food or drink, perceived to be healthier will find favour with the younger generation. It is a natural healthy drink compared to any other beverage and, therefore, we do see tea, particularly green ones becoming far more popular in future.

Foods That Pair Best with a Cup of Tea

Any food which is lighter, not oily or deep-fried will be a good pair with tea. However, any food consumption should always be with green tea rather than milk and sugar or black tea as that will cause acidity and also affects digestion, especially, due to the boiling method used at most Indian households. 

The Scope of Indian Tea brands Abroad

India offers the maximum variety of the beverage compared to any other tea-growing country - Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris, Himachal and North Bengal region (Dooars) with each region offering different taste experience, character, seasonal variation, etc. There is a huge opportunity for Indian tea brands to be established in overseas markets but this requires sustained support from the Indian Government and the industry. 

Expansion Plans with Teamonk Global

Teamonk has an ambitious growth plan to reach over 150-crore gross revenue in the next four years, sticking to our core values of pure and natural, healthy and exotic tasting teas to delight tea lovers.

How FiLLi Café has change the way tea is served across the UAE?

In beverage industry tea business has not given as much importance as coffee. Cafes were only meant for coffee and the concept of conversing over a cup of tea didn’t exist in the UAE. This was the biggest challenge in the journey of FiLLi. I created a homely ambience at FiLLi that made visitors feel like home. The signature FiLLiZafran Tea was appreciated by people as they could chat for hours while immersing themselves in the joy of a warm, soothing cup of tea.  Thus, this way the journey of FiLLi was began, where visitors could ‘Tea n Talk’ and gradually made FiLLi as their second home in the UAE.

What new product range you are offering for your customers? Which is the fastest growing product?

We have introduced breakfast menu, milkshakes and loose tea. Milkshakes are the fastest growing product and we have 21 flavours of milkshakes.

Which section of market you love to focus?

Dubai has a serious food culture and that is what we are tapping into. By 2020, Dubai is expecting 20 million tourists with a rise of 10.6 over 2012. Even the local market is also very strong and willing to try new concepts. With the increasing appetite for out-of-home dining and growing discretionary wealth in the Middle East, there is plenty of room for brands like us to expand their business.

Our main target is low and middle class, working, students and tourist people. And our average ticket size is AED 20 (USD 6).

What is your marketing approach to survive in this market?

Since, we completed our franchise plan; we have a serious approach towards marketing. Recently, we have done smart and effective branding for our existing stores. As marketing strategy, we are also focusing on our brand positioning, menu re-engineering and employee training. We have a very active social media pages as part of our digital marketing.

What is your expansion plan in terms of numbers of outlet?

100 outlets and still running; by 2020, we have ambitiously planned to have 100 principle stores in the UAE. And by 2017, we intend to have 30 stores in UAE along with 70 franchises around the world. In India we have plans to open 300 outlets in 10 years.

Are you also planning to take franchisee route?

Yes, we are expanding our business globally using franchise program. The franchise option will be available in all the other countries except UAE. In fact, the plan has been set in motion with the first franchises for five outlets already being signed off in Qatar. The brand has also set up a dedicated team for expansion in the UK and India.

Tell us about your journey as a young Indian entrepreneur who started with a small roadside café FiLLi.

I am very fun loving person and enjoy being with friends. The history of the name FiLLi traces back to my school days, where my friends gave me the title FiLLi. But little did anyone know that this name was given for the sake of fun would one day lead to the establishment of FiLLi.

The signature FiLLiZafran Tea is a result of my own determination to introduce a specialty tea that people would love. After being a hit amongst UAE’s tea lovers, my aims is to take this taste global by reaching out to every tea lover and make them fall in love with tea all over again.

Meet this Young Entrepreneur and Speaker at Franchise India 2015 on 18th and 19th of October at Pragati Maidan.

Wagh Bakri Tea Group is a Premium Tea Company with a long-lasting relationship of love and trust with its loyal consumers since 1892. With Leaf from the best tea gardens selected and personally tasted by group directors, today, Wagh Bakri Tea is the 3rd largest packaged tea company in India with a turnover of over Rs.1000 Cr. and over 45 million Kgs of tea distribution.

The group is a leading stride in tea exports and retail consumer all over the world. With huge number of Wagh Bakri tea lovers around the world, it has emerged as a truly global brand.  The company enjoys undisputed market presence in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi & Hyderabad and has recently forayed in to Chhattisgarh and Goa.

Taking a leap

And, as the newer trends awake the industry, the group has taken a step closer by launching its Tea Lounges few years back. Today, Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge is spread across Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmadabad.  The group has recently opened a Tea Lounge at Delhi’s most happening destination, Connaught Place which is spreads across 1500 sq. ft.

“Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge serves world of teas under one roof. We are getting tremendous response in Delhi since we have opened and we are planning to open at least 20 tea lounges across Delhi in the near future,” shared Parag Desai, Executive Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group.

Here are some of the takeaways from the recently opened Tea Lounge:

1) Tea enthusiasts can have a sip of a variety of over 45 types of handpicked teas from across the globe, including include varieties of Darjeeling and Assam teas, organic teas,flavored teas, Nilgiri tea, Oolong tea, tea mocktails, and even ice-cream tea.

2) A perfect place to unwind and indulge in tea time conversations and more.

3) A big attraction for consumers is the array of mouth watering Indian snacks with all-time favourites like Bran panini, bakedvadapav, Veg Focaccia, chocolate brownie, muffin and much more.

4) Besides the teas available at the newly launched Lounge, the complete range of Wagh Bakri packaged tea will also be available for purchase.

So, whenever you are out on a tea break, have a look at this newly opened cafe, which might serve you the way you wanted your tea to be.