The Chaipreneuers bringing Indian tea to the world

(Our Bureau, May 21) Indians love their chai and tea exports have created many successful business ventures for decades. But a new breed of entrepreneurs have stepped in to blend technology with tea sourcing and quicken the supply process to ensure tea lovers globally get their first cup within days of production. Meet three Indian startups that are brewing success by redefining tea exports.

Teabox: Kausshal Dugarr-founded Teabox eliminated middlemen and cut down the travel time between the produce and the end consumer from a minimum of five months to a few days. Backed by investors such as Accel Partners and corporate stalwarts like Ratan Tata, Siliguri-based Teabox has sold over two billion cups across 120 countries.

VAHDAM: Founded in 2015 by then 23-year-old Bala Sarda, VAHDAM sells its superfood teas, drinkware and elixirs in 104 countries, raking in a turnover of ₹159 crore. Its clientele includes celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Mariah Carey, Martha Stewart, and Chris Prat.

Udyan Tea: Three friends — Punit Poddar, Parvez Gupta and Soveet Gupta — started Udayan as an online brand when tea e-tailing was virtually unheard of. Today, they source teas directly from more than 150 estates in India and Nepal and export to over 40 countries.