Feb 2026

February was quite eventful as I spent some time in Europe attending BIOFACH. It was also special because the three co-founders, who live in different time zones, met in person for the first time since 2021.

Usually, it’s been a situation where either Amigo and I were in Nepal or Nish and Amigo were there. But after months of planning, mostly by Amigo and Nish, especially since they’re both new dads, we finally managed to spend about a week together. I had been eyeing BIOFACH for years, knowing it was our gateway to establish ourselves in the European market.

What's happening at Nepal Tea Collective?
 
Europe Visit and BIOFACH

Like many specialty food shows in the US, BioFach had a mix of CPG brands and ingredient companies attending. I believe it was the largest trade show I’ve ever been to. We had a great time meeting a wide range of people from clients who even knew my grandparents from their time attending BioFach decades ago, to others who didn’t even realize that Nepal produces tea. Overall, the festival was more productive than I had anticipated. We also spent some time in Hamburg and Bremen meeting partners, and later in Amsterdam as well
         
Golden Leaf Award in Nepal

I’m glad to share that three of our teas, Everest Black, Kanchanjangha Verde, and Himalayan Oolong, won Gold, while Kumari Gold won Silver. These awards were given among more than 700 entries from Australia and around the world.

Recognition like this is a great accomplishment for all of our farmer partners. If you’re interested in adding any of these teas to your lineup, you can shop them from the link below.
 
Or if you need marketing materials highlighting the awards our teas have received, please let us know and we would be happy to share them.
Profit Sharing, 1% Distribution and Impact Report

Arya and some of our team members from Impact Club are currently working on our 2025 Impact Report, as well as planning the 1% distribution for 2026. For the past four years, we have distributed the funds directly as cash to our farmers. Moving forward, we hope to approach this more creatively, where cash distribution may become part of a larger project that we develop together with our farming partners.
 
We also recently unveiled a profit-sharing plan for our employees, something that has been in the works for quite some time. It felt like the right moment to create a similar structure for the team members who work day and night to help turn this vision into reality.
What’s happening at the farm in Nepal?
Production Season and First Flush
The production season has begun at our family farm and several partner farms. Like every year, before the first plucking starts, the tea makers and farmers perform a small worship ceremony for the tea plants, wishing for a smooth and successful harvest season. During the first flush, we usually produce a greenish black tea that is very floral and delicate.
 
If you’re looking for a particularly aromatic tea, this is a great option. My co-founder Amigo will travel to eastern Nepal at the end of March to meet with our producers and plan the production season t

Delayed Shipment, High Insurance Cost
 
Containers from Nepal are set to dispatch this week, which should supply us through the fall of 2026. This year the shipment was delayed by about a month and a half, so please expect some teas to go temporarily out of stock.

In the past, we’ve used air shipments to cover any gaps in inventory. However, this year that may be difficult due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The cost of both air and sea shipments has increased significantly, largely because insurance costs have risen and fewer flights are operating.

If anyone is attending the World Tea Expo, please do swing by our booth 1556. We will be there for about 2 days.
 
Wishing you a great month ahead!


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