TEA AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Interview with Australian Tea Cultural Society

Tea plants were once believed to only grow in certain parts of the world. Today, we grow tea as far south as Tasmania, as far north as Scotland, and in so many places in between – including some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. David Lyons speaks to Suman Rai of Discover Nepal Tea about the story and beauty behind Nepalese teas.

Nepal, a landlocked country high in the Himalayas, produces some stunning teas. You may be forgiven for not knowing about them; for decades, tea from Nepal was transported over the border into India to be incorporated into blended stocks of Darjeeling tea. Once Darjeeling became a geographical indication, however, tea production in Nepal was sent into turmoil. The answer was to let the world know the truth about Nepalese teas.

Discover Nepal Tea is a global marketing platform co-founded with the Specialty Tea Association of Nepal designed to provide small tea farmers and processors with direct access to a global market.

What influencing factors drew you to open Discover Nepal Tea in Australia?

Rai: I was approached by two influential colleagues, Raju Limbu (North Nepal Tea Industry and Aroma Nepal Tea Industry) and Chandra Angbo (Kesari Tea Estate). Having been born and raised in the tea region of Panchthar District, and having family connection to Mangmalung and Senchelengma tea plantations, both who are land donors and shareholders, I knew the teas and loved the quality and uniqueness of Nepalese tea.

The idea behind Discover Nepal Tea was to collectively promote Nepalese tea on behalf of the 46 farm factories involved in the association. I was drawn to the concept of working together as one unified entity. Discover Nepal Tea pioneered this platform for small-scale tea farmers in Nepal, something unprecedented in the Nepalese tea industry.

In our first year in Australia, 2018, we showcased teas from five small tea factories as a starting point. Today we partner with 15 producers. I decided that the stories behind the teas were very compelling, so let’s tell those to promote beautiful Nepalese teas for the enjoyment of Australian tea lovers and their creators.

 

In those early days of the business, what did you find difficult?

Rai: We found the red tape of setting up and importing into Australia confusing: arranging laboratory tests on the teas and vast amounts of paperwork for the Australian quarantine service. But with experience it becomes easier and today we are comfortable with the processes. Also today, Nepal and Australia have wonderful trade relations and trade agreements thanks to the hard work of many officials.

Then, like all businesses, it was how to start building a customer base. In the early days we did a great deal of talking to people at markets, trade shows and events. Australian people knew very little about Nepalese tea and so the task of tea education was enormous.

 

What would you say has been a highlight so far?

Rai: Although I am responsible for Discover Nepal Tea in Australia, we operate as a global platform so I must say a great achievement for our team is that we are selling Nepalese teas produced by small tea farmers and processors to the USA, Europe, China and Australia.

How about sharing your bestseller?

Rai: Our silver needles is by far the bestseller. This tea is produced by using the Goomtee variant of the Camellia sinensis plant, which provides such a high quality tea made from just the buds or tips, hand-picked from the bushes. The flavour is very subtle, and our customers love it served warm or iced. We have one customer who loves to cold-infuse these tips with fresh rosemary to create a beautiful, unique iced tea, while others like to add the gentle flavour of rose petals.

 

If there was one thing you could change that would help your business thrive in Australia, what would it be?

Rai: Marketing to the Australian public and how to find those who love tea is incredibly difficult. I believe tea education should play a large part in this marketing development, as large parts of the Australian population need more knowledge and information about specialty teas.

Any exciting plans in the pipeline for the business?

Rai: We are placing a great deal of focus on sustainable packaging, but we haven’t quite found exactly what we are looking for yet. There is so much packaging out there which professes to be clean, green and good for the planet but, when you dig deeper into the processes or claims, you find they are not. So we will continue to seek and source truly planet-friendly packaging.

Also, we have great hopes and plans to present a Nepal tea event in Sydney around May or June. This event would not only showcase the Nepalese teas we sell and are so proud of, but also the spring teas for 2025 – fresh and vibrant after the plants’ winter hibernation. They are just so full of nature’s goodness!

 

Why should people consider Discover Nepal Tea for their next purchase?

Rai: The people most attracted to our teas are those who purchase consciously. They want to know the whole story from bush to cup. Our sourcing is very transparent: the teas you buy from us have been cared for by the safest hands. The connection between the growers and processors to the Australian tea lovers is incredibly important to us. These teas are not mass-produced; instead, they’re hand-processed in smaller quantities, making them rare and unique. The beautiful tastes and aromas of our teas are due to the skills, expertise, knowledge and care of the small-scale tea farmers and processors.

Next, if we are to talk about world health, then tea should not be so expensive. We believe in quality tea at fair prices – that’s why we constantly review the pricing of our tea to ensure fair and good pricing. That doesn’t mean the prices are always going up. You shouldn’t be surprised if you see our prices sometimes drop, making it fair for everyone! 

—David Lyons

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