Written by Ibrahim Okunade
Nepal Tea Collective leads the charge in a tea revolution, driven by a commitment to premium quality, sustainability, and community empowerment. Since its establishment in 2016, the collective has stood as a beacon of excellence in the global tea market, offering Orthodox Nepali teas directly sourced from organic, small-holder community farms in Nepal.
Guided by visionary founder/CEO Nishchal Banskota, whose lineage boasts generations of tea producers, Nepal Tea Collective transcends being just a business; it’s a mission-driven endeavor to redefine the tea industry. Banskota’s journey began with a profound recognition of the untapped potential within Nepal’s tea-growing regions and a commitment to creating pathways for local farmers to access international markets.
Operating on a transparent, direct-to-consumer model, Nepal Tea Collective has transformed the lives of over 723 Nepali farmers, elevating their incomes by 33% and fostering sustainable, community-driven farming practices. Their fair-trade approach disrupts exploitative supply chains, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their labor and dedication.
Central to their innovative approach is a unique QR code system. With a quick scan, tea enthusiasts can track their tea’s journey from Nepali farms to their own mugs. Yet, this innovation goes beyond mere tracking. Through the QR code, individuals can express gratitude to the farmers who cultivated their tea by leaving a tip, strengthening the bond between consumers and farmers, empowering consumers to directly support the growers who bring their tea to life.
Beyond business success, Nepal Tea Collective has gained international recognition, featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times and Forbes. Their contributions extend beyond commerce, as they actively promote tea tourism in Nepal, reinvesting profits back into farming communities and uplifting local economies.
With a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility, Nepal Tea Collective continues to lead the charge in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for Nepal’s tea industry and beyond.
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About Nepal Tea Collective:
Based in New York and Kathmandu, Nepal Tea Collective is a public benefit corporation led by second and third-generation tea producers from Nepal. Sourcing loose-leaf organic teas directly from small-holder, sustainable farms in Nepal, Nepal Tea Collective distributes the freshest, packed-at-origin orthodox Nepali teas worldwide. Embracing a transparent, direct-to-consumer model, Nepal Tea Collective fosters community