Dutch buyers are evaluating tea samples sourced from Meghalaya’s small growers.
SHILLONG, Oct 25: A Shillong-based homegrown tea brand is exploring opportunities to enter the Netherlands market after prospective buyers expressed interest in its products and took samples for quality evaluation at a recent business meet.
I Mei Tea, founded by tea taster and tea sommelier Pinki Maring, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the Meghalaya government, marking an initial step towards exploring an international market for Meghalaya tea.
The agreement has not yet resulted in a confirmed commercial order. The prospective buyers will evaluate the samples before deciding on the quantities they may require.
“The MoU marks an initial step towards exploring business opportunities for Meghalaya tea in the Netherlands,” Maring said, adding that the buyers had taken tea samples in I Mei Tea packaging for evaluation.
She said the brand would continue discussions with the prospective buyers with support and coordination from the District Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC), Government of Meghalaya.
Small tea growers at the centre of the initiative
With its own tea garden, planted earlier this year, yet to become ready for harvesting, I Mei Tea currently sources tea directly from farmers in Meghalaya.
Maring said the brand’s focus was on showcasing the quality of tea already being produced in the state, particularly by small and marginal farmers.
“What encouraged me about this opportunity was the buyers’ interest in our teas and their appreciation of the quality offered by small-scale farmers,” she said.
If the discussions lead to confirmed orders, the tea would be sourced through the brand’s existing network of farmers in Meghalaya, depending on the quantities and specifications required by the buyers.
Maring said wider market access could help local producers gain greater recognition for their tea and create new opportunities for small-scale growers.
Maring said the brand was hopeful about the opportunity but acknowledged that the process was still at an early stage.
Taking Meghalaya’s tea heritage to the world
Maring’s long-term vision is to take Meghalaya’s tea heritage to national and international markets while ensuring that local growers benefit from the brand’s growth.
I Mei Tea’s Meghalaya Collection showcases teas sourced from the state, while its Global Collection features teas and blends inspired by flavours from around the world.
Maring said she wanted to build a brand that connects Meghalaya’s tea-growing communities with wider markets and highlights the people behind the product.
“For me, I Mei Tea is not just about selling tea; it is about sharing our heritage and creating meaningful opportunities for the people behind every cup,” she said.
The potential Netherlands partnership could offer a new avenue for promoting Meghalaya tea internationally, although its commercial prospects will become clearer only after the buyers complete their evaluation and further discussions take place.
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