Deroi Tea: Brewing the next Tea Revolution with Carbon-Free dried tea
PEOPLE OF ASSAM
A Journey of Innovation & Sustainability with Assam Tea
ARABINDA RABHA
In the heart of Assam, a region renowned for its rich tea heritage, a young brand is quietly making waves in the traditional tea industry.
Deroi Tea, founded in 2017 by Sudarshan Deka and Surjya Borthakur, has emerged as a trailblazer, redefining the way tea is made while championing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
As local youths with a deep connection to Assam’s tea culture, Sudarshan and Surjya noticed the industry’s struggle with stagnation and a lack of innovation.
Existing manufacturers relied heavily on coal and gas for tea processing, causing significant carbon emissions and health hazards for both workers and consumers.
With a vision to challenge the industry standard, they set out on an ambitious mission to transform the tea manufacturing landscape.
Drawing on their engineering background, Sudarshan (Mechanical Engineer) and Surjya (Electrical Engineer) conceptualized a groundbreaking solution – a carbon-free tea manufacturing technology.
This patent-pending process uses electricity as the primary energy source, eliminating the direct use of carbon-based fuels from the production equation.
The result: Deroi Tea‘s teas are clean, residue-free, and infused with natural goodness.
Deroi Tea embarked on an intensive journey of design, development, and prototyping. Collaborating with institutions and receiving technical and financial support from Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Assam Startup, the brand brought its electric tea dryers and steamers to life.
The prototypes underwent rigorous testing, ensuring optimal performance and impeccable tea quality.
In September 2022, Deroi Tea‘s dreams took root as they set up their micro tea processing plant in Moran District, Charaideo. This state-of-the-art facility became the epicenter of sustainable tea manufacturing, where carbon emissions became a thing of the past.
With great care and attention to detail, Deroi Tea commenced the production of green tea and orthodox black tea, setting new standards for purity and authenticity.
With its vision and products in place, Deroi Tea embraced building a homegrown brand of Assam.
Leveraging an extensive online presence and participating in national and international trade exhibitions, the brand made its mark in the health-conscious consumer space.
[ Left image : Surjya Borthakur; right image – Sudarshan Deka]
Their first exposure to tea consumers was in November 2022 at the International Trade Fair held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi where their green tea products were sold-out in 10 days. Deroi Tea quickly gained recognition among discerning tea lovers seeking an upgrade from mass-market brands to a premium but affordable alternative.
Deroi Tea’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond tea production. Their goal is not only to produce premium tea but also to create a carbon-negative tea manufacturing model, leading the way in eco-friendly practices.
Looking ahead, Deroi Tea envisions scaling up its production capacity to meet growing demand, exploring international markets, and continuing to create a positive impact on both consumers and the environment.
With accolades from esteemed organizations, the brand is well on its way to becoming a symbol of sustainable tea revolution.
Deroi Tea‘s story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation.
It showcases the power of a homegrown brand that dares to challenge convention and redefine an industry.
As they continue to brew a sustainable tea revolution, Deroi Tea inspires us all to embrace change, prioritize the environment, and savor the essence of pure natural tea.
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