Nepal Tea Collective is a U.S.-registered Public Benefit Corporation with operational roots in Nepal, dedicated to revolutionizing the global tea industry by making premium, organic teas from Nepal accessible worldwide. Founded by Nishchal Banskota and headquartered in New York, the company serves as a social enterprise that connects tea producers in the Himalayas with consumers seeking transparency, traceability, and ethical sourcing in every cup.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Nepal Tea Collective specializes in sourcing, curating, and distributing high-elevation, small-batch teas grown in organic tea gardens of Eastern Nepal. Their offerings span a diverse range of categories with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Key Product Categories:
Classic Teas:
Black Tea: Himalayan Golden Black, Kanchanjangha Noir
Green Tea: Kanchanjangha Verde
Oolong Tea: Autumn Oolong, Kumari Gold
White Tea: Silver Yeti
Exclusive Reserve Teas: Hand-picked, limited-batch artisanal teas with distinct terroir
Curated Blends:
Herbal infusions and spiced blends such as Masala Chai, Lemongrass Ginger, and Rose Tulsi
Teaware & Accessories:
Wall Tea Infuser
Cold Brew Infuser Bottle
Tea Explorer Set
Handmade ceramic accessories
Each product is 100% traceable back to the farm, featuring detailed information about the plucking date, farmer group, and processing techniques.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Nepal Tea Collective differentiates itself in the global tea industry through:
Direct Trade Model – Eliminating middlemen to ensure higher wages for farmers and lower costs for consumers
Full Supply Chain Transparency – Blockchain-powered traceability and farm-to-cup data for each tea batch
Social Impact Mission – Reinvests 1% of revenue into education and infrastructure for tea farming communities
Certified Organic – USDA Organic certified gardens, maintained without synthetic chemicals or fertilizers
Boutique cafés and tearooms offering premium loose-leaf collections
Eco-lifestyle and wellness communities prioritizing sustainability and impact-driven brands
Retailers and grocery chains interested in organic, fair trade-certified SKUs
Their digital-first model and global shipping network cater to customers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Market Presence and Sales Channels
Nepal Tea Collective operates through a vertically integrated omnichannel strategy:
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) E-commerce – Via their website and Shopify platform
Wholesale Program – Serving specialty stores, wellness chains, and restaurants
Subscription Service – Monthly tea tasting boxes with seasonal selections and farmer stories
Gift Sets and Corporate Gifting – Curated boxes for special occasions and branded events
They leverage strong content marketing via social media, YouTube storytelling, and founder-led educational videos.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
As a supply-chain integrated enterprise, Nepal Tea Collective controls both sourcing and processing:
Tea Gardens: Primary sourcing from Kanchanjangha Tea Estate, located at 1,300 to 1,800 meters elevation
Processing Facilities: Hand-rolled, small-batch fermentation, drying, and sorting conducted on-site in Nepal
Logistics: Products exported directly to U.S. fulfillment centers, ensuring freshness and fast delivery
Technology: Blockchain-based traceability and QR-code packaging integration
They work with over 300 tea farmers and workers, many of whom are second-generation tea growers.
Shipment Records and Export Activity
Nepal Tea Collective consistently exports specialty teas from Nepal to the U.S. and other global markets. Trade activity includes:
Export hubs: Birtamode, Jhapa (Nepal) to New York, Toronto, and London
Shipping frequency: Monthly shipments aligned with harvest seasons
Export value: Estimated USD $400,000 to $600,000 annually based on DTC and wholesale demand
Their unique origin branding and educational transparency have led to robust international sales and loyal customer retention.
Certifications and Compliance
Nepal Tea Collective maintains rigorous standards across product and operational compliance:
USDA Organic Certified
Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) registered in the State of New York
Fair Trade practices implemented internally, though not third-party certified
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aligned mission, especially around poverty alleviation and gender equity
All teas are lab-tested for pesticide residues and microbial safety in U.S. and Nepal-based labs.
Financial Overview
While privately held, Nepal Tea Collective has shared growth and impact metrics publicly:
2023 Revenue Estimate: USD $750,000 to $1.2 million
Growth Rate: 40–60% year-over-year increase in DTC sales
Wholesale Clients: Over 300 cafés, yoga studios, and boutique retailers
Subscription Members: Approx. 2,000 active monthly subscribers
Their lean operating model and mission-driven brand positioning allow for strong customer loyalty and word-of-mouth growth.
Customer Testimonials
Nepal Tea Collective enjoys widespread praise for quality and transparency:
“The best oolong I’ve ever had. And I know exactly which farmer grew it. That’s rare.” – Verified Customer, San Francisco
“Their teas are more than a product. They’re a story of people, places, and purpose.” – Wholesale Buyer, Boston
“Fast shipping, biodegradable packaging, and a tea that tastes alive. I’m hooked.” – Subscription Member, UK
Major Achievements
Named one of Forbes’ Social Entrepreneurs to Watch
Hosted over 200 virtual tea tastings since 2021
Partnered with organizations like Fair Trade Campaigns USA and Sustainable Food Lab
Featured in The New York Times, BBC World News, and Entrepreneur Magazine
Created educational programs for Nepali farmers on organic farming and financial literacy
Nepal Tea Collective continues to elevate the global perception of Nepali teas while building sustainable futures for Himalayan farming communities through transparency, quality, and ethical capitalism.
