Feb 2025
February has been a bittersweet month for us. While we were excited to see an early First Flush begin at our family farm, we were deeply saddened to learn that one of the other farms we work with, owned by our producer Sharad, was devastated by a fire.
What’s happening recently at Nepal Tea Collective?
First Flush harvest has officially begun!
After three months of dormancy, the tea bushes are finally waking up! The first plucking of the season is officially underway, and First Flush is here. On February 24, we harvested 50 lbs of fresh green leaves, followed by another 120 lbs on March 1st. And very soon, we’ll be bringing you the first teas of the season! Personally, this is the first time since I joined the tea industry that plucking has started before March, even if it’s a very small quantity. We are hoping to produce about 1,000 lbs of First Flush Black Tea with a greenish character. Learn more about First Flush tea and what makes it truly special.
Before the plucking began, our tea pluckers and supervisors gathered for a special ceremony, offering prayers for a bountiful harvest. A priest led the rituals, marking the official start of the tea season. In many tea-growing communities, tea plants are considered sacred, and prayers are a way to seek blessings for good weather, healthy crops, and an abundant harvest. Our farmers and producers firmly believe that this tradition plays a role in ensuring both quality and prosperity for the season ahead
If you’re interested in getting this year’s First Flush, order your tea through the link here.
Impact Report
We made a full commitment to creating community impact by transitioning to a PBC (Public Benefit Corporation) in 2023. Last year, we took a significant step forward in our transparency journey by working toward B-Corp certification to measure, verify, and monitor our ESG practices.
Through our self-assessment, we achieved a score of 117.1. We have submitted this internal assessment to B-Corp for review, and we are striving to attain official certification by 2025. While this is in works, we have published our 2024 impact report. Read more about the impacts here.
Toronto Tea Festival
We had such a meaningful experience at the Toronto Tea Festival, even though the timing couldn’t have been more challenging. Caught right in the middle of a tariff war, it was a bit weird as we definitely got some curious looks when we mentioned we were from the US!. However, the warmth and support from tea lovers across Canada truly made it all worthwhile.
One of the most humbling moments came when a customer, who had previously enjoyed Nepali Teas from our family farm when she visited a few years ago, came to our booth with a tea bag in a ziplock. She asked if we had the same tea at the expo. It was incredibly moving to see how much she loved our tea, to the point that she brought it with her to share that connection with us. Moments like these make all the hard work so much more meaningful.
World Tea Expo
The season of tea fairs and expos has kicked off, and we’ll be back at the World Tea Expo this year, proudly representing Nepali Teas. This year is extra special for us, as we have three speakers from Nepal at the Expo. Udaya Uncle, Nish, and I will be sharing our insights on topics ranging from organic certification and direct trading to email marketing. If you’re planning to attend, don’t forget to use our special code “SPKINVITE” for a discount. I’d also love to meet you at the expo, feel free to drop by our booth, #5220! Looking forward to meeting you there.
What's happening at the farm in Nepal?
Devastating Fire at Sharad's Factory
Last week, we received devastating news, our dear friend and one of Nepal’s finest tea makers, Sharad Subbha, lost everything in a factory fire. He is now recovering in a Kathmandu hospital, and while we’re relieved he’s safe, the emotional, physical, and financial toll is unimaginable. Sharad’s journey started as a tea plucker and factory laborer before becoming a respected tea maker. Dissatisfied with mass production, he spent over a decade perfecting his craft and eventually built his own factory with loans from family and friends.
Just as he was preparing for the new season, tragedy struck. Sharad’s factory is not only his dream but also the livelihood of 221 farmers and 35 workers. To support him, we’re fundraising to cover his medical expenses, rebuild the factory, and assist the farmers. Every dollar raised will be directly transferred to Sharad for his needs, with Nepal Tea Foundation covering all transaction fees.
More updates coming soon. Stay Tuned
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