‘Our objective is to have a wide collection of green & specialty teas’
Devoted to providing superior quality loose leaf tea from the tea estates of Assam, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nilgiris and China, Teacupsfull has over 20 varieties of teas curated by Tea Masters and the second generation of Tea Tasters who preserve the tradition of selecting fine teas. It is available online and on Amazon, Flipkart, Place of Origin and Big Basket. Kathryn B K speaks to Shikha Puri, Founder & Managing Partner of Teacupsfull to understand more about the speciality and health benefits of green teas.
Founded by Shikha Puri, Teacupsfull was launched in 2015 and has been well accepted by their customers and clients. “Our sales have been growing month-on-month steadily and have an ever-growing fan base,” affirms Puri.
UNIQUE TEAS
The uniqueness of the loose leaf teas varies from region to region. Each region has its own set of distinctive characteristics. “The weather, soil and vegetation in Darjeeling are different from other estates. Each estate in Darjeeling produces tea that is unique in taste and flavour, it can be vegetation or the side in which the garden is located, or the amount of rainfall or sun an estate gets. There are innumerable factors that can determine the quality of tea,” explains Puri. Assam has the single largest tea growing region in India; because of its topography. There are certain estates that are of high elevation which has a distinctive taste and flavour. The same goes for Nilgiri, because of its proximity to the equator, the region is able to produce teas throughout the year, says Puri.
Jasmine Green Tea was first made about 1000 years ago, the use of Jasmine dates back to 960 - 1270 AD. The Chinese have mastered the art of blending Jasmine with green tea. Fujian Jasmine Green Tea and Jasmine Green Pearls are from the best tea growing regions of China; its flavour is unique and is loved by green tea lovers, assures Puri.
Jasmine Green Tea was first made about 1000 years ago, the use of Jasmine dates back to 960 - 1270 AD. The Chinese have mastered the art of blending Jasmine with green tea. Fujian Jasmine Green Tea and Jasmine Green Pearls are from the best tea growing regions of China; its flavour is unique and is loved by green tea lovers, assures Puri.
EXPORTING TEA
Once Puri exported tea gifts to Singapore and Dubai and few clients in Singapore had received a tea gift from one of their friends in India. Then, they wanted her to curate tea gifts especially for them. She exported 400 tea gifts to Singapore. The same was the case in Dubai; they liked the tea and ordered customised tea gifts in bulk. Puri exported some loose speciality Darjeeling tea to a tea boutique in Switzerland. This is how the export business of Teacupsfull started purely on the basis of word of mouth.
EXPANSION PLANS
Puri plans to open a tea boutique in Delhi and start white labelling service for tea boutiques abroad in the next fiscal. “Our long-term objective is to have a wide collection of green and speciality teas for tea connoisseurs and lovers. We had an offer from an Australian company that wanted to take our franchise; we are evaluating its merits. We want to wait for another two years before we take a decision,” said Puri.
Currently, Puri’s marketing strategy is to strengthen sales through digital media.
INTRODUCING TEA BAGS
Premium Pyramid Tea bags will be introduced later this year; confirms Puri. “We are presently testing the product for its acceptance. These are high-grade Nylon tea bags for whole leaf teas, what is presently available in the Indian market are double chamber and single chamber tea bags for fanning, dust and lower grade of CTC teas. We want our customers to use whole leaf teas; you get a better taste as there is enough space in the pyramid tea bag for the leaf to unfurl. The tea bag can be reused and can give two cups of tea. Besides the quality, you will also get maximum health benefits from consuming whole leaf teas; we will just make it easier by putting this in a special tea bag.”
kathryn.bk@saffronsynergies.in
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