Monteaco, formerly known as Monsoon Tea Company, is a Chiang Mai-based tea producer and exporter that specializes in sustainable, forest-friendly teas grown in harmony with Thailand’s natural ecosystems. Founded by Kenneth Rimdahl, Monteaco has become an international leader in agroforestry-driven tea cultivation and biodiversity preservation, offering a wide portfolio of artisanal teas made without deforestation or monoculture practices.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Monteaco focuses on producing high-quality loose leaf and bagged teas sourced from Northern Thailand’s forest regions. Their catalog spans traditional teas, innovative blends, and functional herbal infusions.
Product Categories:
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Green Tea:
- Jasmine Green
- Jungle Green
- Coconut Green
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Black Tea:
- Jungle Black
- Thai Earl Grey
- Monsoon Blend Black
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Oolong Tea:
- Lychee Oolong
- Apple Pie Oolong
- Monsoon Blend Oolong
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White Tea:
- Lanna Silver Needle
- Dhara White
- Tropical White
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Herbal Tea:
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Tea Bags & Convenience Products:
- Thai Breakfast, Jasmine Green, Thai Earl Grey, and more available in biodegradable pyramid bags
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Gift Sets and Bundles:
- Monteaco Gift Set (3x10g sampler)
Monteaco products are naturally grown in biodiverse environments, free from chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and harvested using ethical, community-focused labor practices.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Monteaco’s market edge is rooted in its environmental and social impact, offering:
- Forest-Friendly Farming – No deforestation or monoculture; supports biodiversity and wildlife corridors
- Agroforestry Partnerships – Collaborations with local hill tribes to preserve native forest and create sustainable livelihoods
- Carbon-Neutral Supply Chain – Offset initiatives and local sourcing reduce environmental footprint
- Premium Thai Teas – Unique flavor profiles derived from native soil and climatic conditions, offering a distinctive terroir
- Plastic-Free Packaging – Compostable tea bags and recyclable materials align with eco-conscious consumer preferences
Monteaco is a leader in demonstrating how tea can support ecosystems instead of destroying them.
Target Market
Monteaco targets a global audience of:
- Tea enthusiasts looking for premium, ethically sourced tea
- Eco-conscious consumers interested in regenerative agriculture
- Retailers and concept stores focusing on organic or sustainable products
- Hotels and spas offering high-end wellness and culinary experiences
- Distributors and importers specializing in sustainable F&B
Key markets include Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, where demand for organic and responsibly sourced beverages continues to rise.
Market Presence and Sales Channels
Monteaco utilizes a hybrid distribution strategy:
- E-commerce platform for international DTC shipping via Monteaco.com
- Retail partnerships with eco-stores, specialty grocers, and wellness retailers in Thailand, Sweden, Germany, and the U.S.
- Wholesale operations for cafes, restaurants, and co-branded sustainability collaborations
- Export network across 15+ countries, coordinated from their Chiang Mai headquarters
Social media, including Instagram and YouTube, plays a pivotal role in storytelling, education, and customer engagement.
Capabilities and Manufacturing
Monteaco controls its supply chain from forest to cup, enabling full traceability. Operational strengths include:
- Local sourcing from contract farmers in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Nan provinces
- Processing centers in Northern Thailand for withering, oxidation, rolling, and drying
- In-house blending and packaging with focus on flavor consistency and aesthetic design
- Private labeling and bulk exports for international partners
The company is equipped to scale artisanal production without compromising environmental values.
Shipment Records and Export Capability
Monteaco has an established export footprint, with shipping documented through platforms like Panjiva and EU import records. Frequent destinations include:
- Germany, Sweden, Netherlands – Boutique and specialty tea markets
- United States and Canada – Premium organic stores and wellness boutiques
- Japan and Taiwan – Niche sales to eco-tea markets
Their teas are exported in retail packs, gift boxes, and foodservice-grade pouches.
Certifications and Compliance
Monteaco operates under rigorous compliance and traceability practices:
- Organic certification through EU-accredited agencies for many products
- FDA registration for U.S. exports
- Biodegradable packaging certified by international environmental authorities
- Fair labor and sourcing standards audited internally and validated by international buyers
Their forest-friendly model is based on principles supported by the FAO and other sustainable agriculture NGOs.
Financial Overview
Monteaco is privately held and does not disclose detailed financials. However, industry insight and export data suggest:
- Estimated annual revenue: USD 1 million to 2.5 million
- Primary revenue streams: DTC via e-commerce (~40%), international wholesale (~50%), domestic retail (~10%)
- Revenue growth: ~20–25% CAGR over the past 3 years, driven by environmental awareness and rising tea consumption
They reinvest profits into reforestation and tribal community development projects.
Customer Testimonials
Monteaco has earned a loyal following among both end consumers and B2B clients:
“The Jasmine Green is fragrant and fresh, and knowing it supports local farmers makes it taste even better.” – Online Customer, Germany
“We chose Monteaco for our wellness resort tea line — ethically sourced, beautifully packaged, and incredibly flavorful.” – Spa Buyer, Bali
“Monteaco’s forest-friendly model should be the standard for all tea companies.” – Sustainability Blogger, U.K.
Major Achievements
- Rebranded from Monsoon Tea Company to Monteaco to reflect a broader sustainability vision
- Recognized in National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian for ethical tea practices
- Developed tea partnerships with eco-hotels and Michelin-starred chefs in Asia and Europe
- Featured at global sustainability summits including Climate Reality Project Asia
Monteaco continues to lead the global tea industry in responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship, offering tea that not only tastes extraordinary but also heals the planet and supports its people.