Shah Brothers Tea & Industries Ltd. is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious tea export houses, headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. With a history spanning over 90 years, the company is globally recognized for its expertise in sourcing, blending, and exporting premium Indian teas, including Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri varieties. Operating under the flagship brand “My Cup Of Tea,” Shah Brothers combines traditional knowledge with contemporary innovation to serve a discerning global clientele.
Company History
Established in 1930, Shah Brothers Tea & Industries Ltd. is a fourth-generation family-run enterprise. The company began its journey during the British colonial era, capitalizing on Kolkata’s prominence as a global tea trading hub. Over the decades, it evolved from a domestic trader into a leading exporter with a presence in over 45 countries. Now led by Dhanshree Shah and Deepa Shah, the company celebrates over 50 years under the Shah Brothers identity and more than 90 years under the SB Group umbrella.
The firm has built deep-rooted relationships with tea gardens across India and is known for its consistent quality, transparent trade practices, and pioneering approach in wellness and flavored tea categories.
Core Business
Shah Brothers specializes in:
- Bulk and retail export of Indian teas
- Private label manufacturing and OEM services
- Curated wellness teas and specialty blends
- Participation in international trade shows and B2B partnerships
Their tea portfolio spans conventional and organic varieties, offered in loose leaf, bagged, and customized packaging formats. With an emphasis on purity and traceability, they work directly with reputed tea estates to ensure quality from leaf to cup.
Product and Service Offerings
Traditional Teas
- Pure Assam Orthodox Tea: Known for its golden liquor and bold character
- Pure Darjeeling Tea: Harvested from Himalayan slopes, prized for its floral aroma
- Pure Nilgiri Tea: Grown in Tamil Nadu's blue mountains, features brisk flavor and deep color
- Pure Assam CTC Tea: Popular for its strong body and richness, ideal for masala chai
Wellness Teas (under "My Cup Of Tea")
- Mint to Cure: Mint-infused green tea blend for digestion and freshness
- The Tea Fairy, Nature’s Bounty, Mr. Lounge, The Tangy Indian, Sweet Endings, From Granny with Love, Lucy in the Sky: Functional blends promoting wellness, sleep, immunity, and detoxification
Specialty and Flavored Teas
- Masala Chai: Traditional spiced blend popular across India and abroad
- Ginger Ninja: Bold ginger infusion for immunity and warmth
- Two 2 Tango, Ruby Rose, Fresh Start, Cup of Calm, Amber Spice, Zafrani Kahwa: Unique infusions blending herbs, flowers, and spices
Services
- Private Label Manufacturing: End-to-end solutions including sourcing, blending, packaging, and branding
- Custom Blending & OEM Solutions
- Export Documentation & Logistics
Specialization and USP
Shah Brothers stands out due to:
- Direct estate sourcing from renowned gardens in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris
- Curated wellness tea range based on Ayurveda, functional ingredients, and consumer trends
- Flexibility in packaging: From pyramid tea bags to tin caddies and retail pouches
- Experience in private labeling for clients in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia
- Participation in major global trade shows such as Gulfood, SIAL, and World Tea Expo
Their ability to offer heritage-based authenticity combined with contemporary flavor innovation gives them a unique edge in international markets.
Financials
As a privately held enterprise, Shah Brothers Tea & Industries Ltd. does not disclose full financials, but available data from trade platforms indicates:
- Exports to 45+ countries including USA, UK, Russia, UAE, and South Korea
- Annual export volume exceeding 2,000 MT of tea
- Participation in Indian Tea Board’s promotional programs and incentives
According to Indian export statistics, the company ranks among the top mid-tier tea exporters from Eastern India, contributing significantly to Darjeeling and Assam’s international shipments.
Shipment and Trade Support
Shah Brothers offers comprehensive international shipping support, including:
- Bulk and retail pack exports
- Compliance with EU, FDA, and Gulf food safety standards
- Organic and fair-trade certifications (where applicable)
- Flexible MOQ for small importers and distributors
They have longstanding partnerships with global freight and courier networks, ensuring timely and cost-efficient delivery.
Target Market
- Distributors and tea importers
- Specialty and gourmet tea retailers
- Hotels, restaurants, and cafes
- Health-conscious consumers and wellness brands
- Private label buyers seeking Indian-origin teas
Their offerings cater to both traditional tea drinkers and modern wellness enthusiasts.
Capabilities
- Tea blending and sorting facility in Kolkata
- Customizable packaging solutions
- In-house R&D team for flavor development
- Tea tasting panel for quality assurance
- Digital catalog and B2B ordering infrastructure
Their vertical integration allows end-to-end control over quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
Certifications and Compliance
- Tea Board of India registered exporter
- Complies with EU MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) for pesticides
- FSSAI licensed and GST registered
- Sustainable sourcing practices aligned with industry norms
- Participates in Ethical Tea Partnership discussions
Customer Testimonials
"Their Assam CTC has become a bestseller in our market. Strong flavor, consistent quality, and great shelf appeal."
– Retail Buyer, Middle East
"We’ve trusted Shah Brothers for our wellness tea range and have seen great customer response. Their support in private labeling is unmatched."
– CEO, Organic Wellness Brand, USA
Major Achievements
- Completed 90 years of tea legacy under SB Group and 50 years under Shah Brothers brand
- Export footprint in more than 45 countries
- Featured in Gulfood and SIAL global exhibitions
- Developed one of the most diverse wellness tea portfolios in India
- Recognized by the Indian Tea Exporters Association for contributions to premium tea trade
Shah Brothers Tea & Industries Ltd. continues to uphold the rich legacy of Indian tea while pioneering new frontiers in wellness, flavor innovation, and global partnerships—offering the world an authentic, aromatic, and curated tea experience.
