Top 10 Tea Brands in India showcase a diverse range of flavors and traditions, from classic names like Tata Tea and Brooke Bond to innovative options such as Tea Trunk and The Tea Shelf. Discover the rich heritage and unique offerings of these leading brands, including premium selections from Lipton, Organic India, and Twinings. Whether you’re a fan of robust Assam tea or delicate green tea, this guide highlights the best choices for every tea enthusiast in India. Explore the top brands that define India’s vibrant tea culture.
India’s tea culture is a tapestry of tradition, taste, and innovation. With its rich history and diverse preferences, the Indian tea market is home to a range of brands, each offering unique blends and flavors. From legacy brands that have stood the test of time to new entrants that bring a modern twist, here’s a look at the top 10 tea brands in India.
Table of Contents
1. Tata Tea
Tata Tea, a flagship brand of Tata Global Beverages, was established in 1962 and is headquartered in Kolkata. Known for its robust and diverse tea offerings, Tata Tea has a rich heritage and a broad product range including Tata Tea Premium, Tata Tea Gold, and Tata Tea Chakra Gold. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality tea leaves and innovative blends that cater to a wide array of taste preferences. Tata Tea’s consistent quality and effective marketing strategies have made it a household name in India.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tata Tea |
| Founder | Tata Group |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Location | Kolkata, India |
| Overview | A leading brand known for its diverse range of high-quality teas, including popular variants like Tata Tea Gold. |
Tata Tea, established in 1962 and based in Kolkata, is a prominent name in the Indian tea industry, known for its diverse range of products. As part of the Tata Group, the brand offers popular blends like Tata Tea Premium and Tata Tea Gold. Tata Tea is renowned for its consistent quality and robust flavors, which cater to a wide array of taste preferences. Its extensive distribution network and innovative marketing strategies have solidified its position as a household staple across India.
2. Brooke Bond
Brooke Bond is one of the most venerable names in the Indian tea industry, having been established in 1869. Originally a British brand, it is now a part of Hindustan Unilever and operates from Mumbai. Brooke Bond offers a variety of premium tea blends, including Brooke Bond Red Label and Brooke Bond Taj Mahal. Renowned for its rich flavors and consistent quality, Brooke Bond is synonymous with traditional Indian tea drinking, making it a beloved choice for many households across the country.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Brooke Bond |
| Founder | Arthur Brooke |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Overview | Known for its premium blends and traditional flavors, including popular variants like Red Label and Taj Mahal. |
Founded in 1869, Brooke Bond is one of India’s most historic tea brands, now owned by Hindustan Unilever. Based in Mumbai, Brooke Bond is celebrated for its premium tea blends such as Brooke Bond Red Label and Brooke Bond Taj Mahal. The brand’s longstanding reputation for quality and tradition makes it a beloved choice for many tea drinkers. Brooke Bond’s commitment to rich flavors and consistent quality has made it a key player in the Indian tea market.
3. Lipton
Lipton, established in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton, has a significant presence in the Indian market through its acquisition by Unilever in 1972. Based in Mumbai, Lipton is famous for its broad range of products, including Lipton Yellow Label and Lipton Green Tea. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and consistency, offering smooth and refreshing tea experiences. Lipton’s global reputation combined with its extensive product line makes it a popular choice for tea drinkers in India.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lipton |
| Founder | Sir Thomas Lipton |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Overview | A globally recognized brand known for its smooth and consistent teas, including popular variants like Yellow Label. |
Lipton, founded in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton, is a globally recognized brand with a strong presence in India through its acquisition by Unilever. Located in Mumbai, Lipton offers a variety of teas, including the well-known Lipton Yellow Label and Lipton Green Tea. The brand is known for its smooth, consistent flavors and extensive product range. Lipton’s commitment to quality and its widespread distribution have made it a popular choice among Indian consumers.
4. Assam Tea (Various Brands)
Assam Tea is synonymous with rich, robust flavors and is produced primarily in the Assam region. While not a single brand, it represents a category of high-quality teas offered by several producers. Prominent brands include Assam Company India Ltd., which has been producing Assam tea since 1839. Assam tea is known for its dark color and malty taste, reflecting the unique characteristics of the region’s soil and climate. It remains a staple in many households and is highly regarded for its strong, invigorating flavors.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Assam Tea (Various Brands) |
| Founder | Various local producers |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Location | Assam, India |
| Overview | Represents high-quality, robust tea from the Assam region, known for its dark color and malty taste. |
Assam Tea represents a category of high-quality teas produced in the Assam region, known for its rich, robust flavor and dark color. Prominent brands like Assam Company India Ltd., established in 1839, offer Assam Tea that is valued for its malty taste and invigorating properties. The unique characteristics of Assam Tea are attributed to the region’s specific soil and climate, making it a favored choice for those who enjoy a hearty, flavorful cup of tea.
5. Organic India
Organic India, founded in 1990 and based in Lucknow, focuses on organic and health-oriented products. The brand is renowned for its organic green tea, which is free from pesticides and chemicals. Organic India’s teas are celebrated for their purity and health benefits, including antioxidant properties. The brand’s commitment to sustainable farming and high-quality organic products has made it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers seeking natural and eco-friendly options.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Organic India Green Tea |
| Founder | Bharat Aggarwal, Prashant Agarwal |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Location | Lucknow, India |
| Overview | Offers high-quality, organic green tea with a focus on health benefits and sustainability. |
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Lucknow, Organic India is a brand that emphasizes organic and health-focused products. Known for its organic green tea, Organic India offers a tea experience free from pesticides and chemicals, highlighting purity and sustainability. The brand’s dedication to organic farming practices and its focus on health benefits have made it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers seeking natural and eco-friendly tea options.
6. Tetley
Tetley, founded in 1837 by Joseph Tetley, has been a significant player in the Indian tea market since its acquisition by Tata Global Beverages. Headquartered in Mumbai, Tetley is known for its diverse range of teas, including Tetley Black Tea, Tetley Green Tea, and Tetley Fruit Infusions. The brand is recognized for its distinctive taste and innovative tea bag technology. Tetley’s commitment to quality and variety ensures it meets the preferences of a broad spectrum of tea drinkers.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tetley |
| Founder | Joseph Tetley |
| Founded | 1837 |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Overview | Known for its diverse range of teas and innovative tea bag technology. |
Tetley, established in 1837 by Joseph Tetley and now part of Tata Global Beverages, has a strong foothold in the Indian tea market. Based in Mumbai, Tetley offers a diverse range of teas, including Tetley Black Tea and Tetley Green Tea. The brand is distinguished by its innovative tea bag technology and distinctive flavors. Tetley’s commitment to quality and variety ensures it caters to a wide range of tea drinkers, making it a notable player in the Indian market.
7. The Tea Shelf
The Tea Shelf, established in 2012 and based in Bangalore, is known for its artisanal and premium tea blends. The brand emphasizes high-quality, single-origin teas and offers a range of flavors including white tea, oolong tea, and specialty blends. The Tea Shelf’s focus on freshness and premium quality has quickly made it a favorite among tea connoisseurs. Its unique blends and commitment to excellence set it apart in the Indian tea market.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Tea Shelf |
| Founder | Radhika and Mayank Kulshrestha |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Location | Bangalore, India |
| Overview | Offers artisanal, premium tea blends with a focus on high-quality, single-origin leaves. |
The Tea Shelf, founded in 2012 and located in Bangalore, is known for its premium and artisanal tea blends. The brand focuses on high-quality, single-origin teas and offers a range of unique flavors such as white tea and oolong tea. The Tea Shelf’s emphasis on freshness and quality, combined with its innovative blends, has quickly established it as a favorite among tea connoisseurs looking for premium and sophisticated tea experiences.
8. Manjushree Tea
Manjushree Tea, established in 1998 and based in Siliguri, is a key player in the Indian tea industry. The brand offers a variety of teas, including Darjeeling and Assam blends. Manjushree Tea is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, sourcing its teas from renowned estates. The brand’s focus on high standards and promoting Indian tea globally has solidified its reputation as a reliable and high-quality tea producer.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Manjushree Tea |
| Founder | Unknown |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Location | Siliguri, India |
| Overview | Known for high-quality Darjeeling and Assam teas, with a focus on sustainability and global promotion. |
Established in 1998, Manjushree Tea is a significant player in the Indian tea industry with its base in Siliguri. The brand offers a variety of teas, including Darjeeling and Assam blends, and is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Manjushree Tea sources its products from renowned estates, ensuring high standards and promoting Indian tea on a global scale. The brand’s focus on excellence and responsible practices has solidified its reputation in the market.
9. Tea Trunk
Tea Trunk, founded in 2012 by Ankur Chawla, is a contemporary tea brand based in Delhi. The brand is recognized for its innovative and exotic tea blends, such as Masala Chai, Himalayan Oolong, and Earl Grey. Tea Trunk emphasizes premium ingredients and unique flavor profiles, catering to modern tea drinkers who seek variety and sophistication. Its creative approach and focus on quality have quickly established it as a standout brand in the Indian tea market.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tea Trunk |
| Founder | Ankur Chawla |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Overview | Offers innovative and exotic tea blends, focusing on premium ingredients and unique flavors. |
Founded in 2012 by Ankur Chawla and based in Delhi, Tea Trunk is a contemporary brand known for its innovative and exotic tea blends. Offering flavors such as Masala Chai and Himalayan Oolong, Tea Trunk emphasizes premium ingredients and unique flavor profiles. The brand’s creative approach and focus on high-quality products have quickly set it apart in the Indian tea market, appealing to modern tea drinkers who seek variety and sophistication.
10. Green Tea by Twinings
Twinings, a historic British tea brand founded in 1706, has made its mark in India with its premium green tea offerings. Known for its rich heritage and high-quality teas, Twinings offers a range of green teas that are celebrated for their delicate flavor and refreshing taste. The brand’s commitment to quality and its longstanding tradition in tea-making make it a notable choice for discerning tea drinkers in India.
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Twinings Green Tea |
| Founder | Thomas Twining |
| Founded | 1706 |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Overview | Known for its premium green tea with a focus on delicate flavors and a rich heritage. |
Twinings, a historic British tea brand founded in 1706, has established a notable presence in India with its premium tea offerings. Known for its rich heritage and high-quality products, Twinings offers a range of delicate green teas. The brand’s long-standing tradition and commitment to excellence make it a respected choice for discerning tea enthusiasts in India, blending a legacy of quality with a refined tea experience.
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s) – Top 10 Tea Brands in India
1. What are the top 10 tea brands in India?
The top 10 tea brands in India are Tata Tea, Brooke Bond, Lipton, Assam Tea (various brands), Organic India, Tetley, The Tea Shelf, Manjushree Tea, Tea Trunk, and Twinings. Each of these brands offers unique blends and flavors, catering to a variety of taste preferences and tea-drinking habits.
2. What makes Tata Tea a popular choice?
Tata Tea is popular for its robust and diverse range of products, including Tata Tea Premium and Tata Tea Gold. Established in 1962, it is known for its consistent quality and innovative blends. Tata Tea’s extensive distribution network and strong brand reputation have made it a staple in many Indian households.
3. How did Brooke Bond become a leading tea brand?
Brooke Bond, established in 1869, became a leading tea brand due to its rich heritage and premium tea blends. Now a part of Hindustan Unilever, it offers popular varieties like Brooke Bond Red Label and Brooke Bond Taj Mahal, known for their rich flavors and consistent quality.
4. What are the unique features of Lipton tea?
Lipton, founded in 1890, is known for its smooth and consistent tea flavors. The brand offers a wide range of products, including Lipton Yellow Label and Lipton Green Tea. Lipton’s global reputation, combined with its commitment to quality and innovation, makes it a popular choice for tea drinkers.
5. Why is Assam Tea renowned?
Assam Tea is renowned for its robust and malty flavor, which is a result of the unique soil and climate of the Assam region. It is produced by various brands and is known for its dark color and strong taste, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a hearty cup of tea.
6. What distinguishes Organic India’s teas?
Organic India is distinguished by its commitment to organic farming and health-oriented products. Established in 1990, the brand offers organic green tea that is free from pesticides and chemicals, emphasizing purity and sustainability. Its teas are celebrated for their health benefits and natural ingredients.
7. How does Tetley stand out in the Indian market?
Tetley, founded in 1837 and acquired by Tata Global Beverages, stands out due to its diverse range of teas and innovative tea bag technology. The brand offers products like Tetley Black Tea and Tetley Green Tea, catering to various taste preferences with its distinctive flavors and quality.
8. What is unique about The Tea Shelf?
The Tea Shelf, established in 2012, is known for its artisanal and premium tea blends. Based in Bangalore, the brand focuses on high-quality, single-origin teas and offers unique flavors like white tea and oolong tea. Its emphasis on freshness and premium quality makes it a favorite among tea connoisseurs.
9. What does Manjushree Tea offer?
Manjushree Tea, established in 1998, offers a variety of teas, including Darjeeling and Assam blends. Based in Siliguri, the brand is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. It sources its teas from renowned estates, ensuring high standards and promoting Indian tea globally.
10. Why is Tea Trunk a notable brand?
Tea Trunk, founded in 2012 by Ankur Chawla, is notable for its innovative and exotic tea blends. Based in Delhi, the brand offers unique flavors such as Masala Chai and Himalayan Oolong. Tea Trunk’s focus on premium ingredients and creative blends has quickly established it as a standout in the Indian tea market.
11. What is the heritage behind Twinings tea?
Twinings, founded in 1706, is a historic British tea brand known for its premium quality. The brand offers a range of teas, including delicate green tea varieties. Twinings’ long-standing tradition and commitment to high-quality products make it a respected choice for tea enthusiasts in India.
Conclusion
The top tea brands in India offer a diverse array of options, from traditional favorites to modern innovations. Tata Tea and Brooke Bond represent time-honored quality, while brands like Organic India and Tea Trunk bring unique and contemporary blends. Each brand contributes to India’s vibrant tea culture with its distinct flavors and approaches, ensuring that tea enthusiasts have access to a wide range of high-quality options. Whether you prefer a classic blend or a novel taste experience, these brands continue to enrich the country’s tea landscape.
