Introduction
Starting a green tea brand in India is both exciting and challenging. When I began my journey a year ago, I had little idea of the complexities involved. From sourcing organic matcha leaves to branding and distribution, every step was a learning curve. But with consistent efforts, I turned it into a profitable business within 12 months.
In this article, I’ll share my personal story, lessons learned, and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to enter the green tea business.
Why I Chose the Green Tea Business
Green tea has become a preferred drink among health-conscious Indians. Matcha, in particular, is gaining popularity because of its antioxidants and calming effects. I noticed a lack of high-quality, India-grown matcha brands in the market. This was my opportunity.
Steps I Took to Build My Brand
1. Sourcing High-Quality Organic Matcha
I partnered with organic farmers from Assam and Nilgiris. The key was finding farms that used shade-growing techniques — which help increase the L-theanine and chlorophyll levels in tea leaves
Related: Shade-Growing Techniques for Premium Matcha Quality
2. Branding and Packaging
I wanted a clean, premium-looking brand identity. The packaging was sustainable and minimal — which aligned with the “green” and mindful lifestyle.
Related: Sustainable Packaging Ideas for Matcha Products
3. Legal and FSSAI Certification
Getting the FSSAI license and GST registration was important for trust and compliance. I also invested in food safety labeling.
4. Website and Online Presence
I built a simple WordPress website with e-commerce support, used social media, and started a blog around matcha benefits and lifestyle. SEO played a big role here.
Related: Matcha and Meditation: How This Combo Transformed My Daily Routine
First Year Performance – A Quick Overview
| Metric | Details (Year 1) |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | ₹8.2 Lakhs |
| Profit Margin | 28% |
| Customers Served | 1200+ |
| Repeat Customers | 35% |
| Website Organic Traffic | 5,000+/month |
Challenges I Faced
Finding the Right Market Fit
Initially, I priced the matcha too high. I later introduced smaller trial packs to improve conversions.
Scaling Production
Demand increased faster than expected. I had to work with intercropping tea farms to maintain supply.
Related: How Intercropping Boosted My Organic Matcha Yield: A Farmer’s Story
Lessons Learned for New Entrepreneurs
1. Start Small, But Think Big
I launched with just 2 SKUs (products), but always planned for a complete product line.
2. Educate Your Audience
Most people don’t know the difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha. Blogging and email marketing helped.
3. SEO and Content is King
Articles like:
helped my brand rank for niche keywords, bringing free traffic.
FAQs
Q1: How much money do I need to start a matcha tea business in India?
You can begin with ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs for a basic setup including sourcing, branding, packaging, and initial inventory.
Q2: Do I need to own a farm to sell green tea?
No, you can source from certified organic tea farms. Just ensure quality control.
Q3: Is the green tea market saturated in India?
While it’s growing, the niche for premium and organic matcha is still wide open.
Final Thoughts
My first year in business was full of experiments, mistakes, and breakthroughs. The key was being consistent, transparent, and always listening to customer feedback. If you’re planning to start a green tea brand in India, now is a great time.
Focus on authenticity, storytelling, and real value — and success will follow.
