Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea
Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering in 2007.
In 2015, they reconvened in Thimphu, their homeland, and hatched plans to venture into the herbal tea business. Their vision encompassed every step of the process, from planting and cultivating herbs to harvesting, processing, and crafting finished products for consumers. Before embarking on this herbal tea journey, Rinzin Wangchuk managed Café Ambrosia, a health-conscious organic and natural juice bar in Thimphu, while his partner, Mr. Wangchuk Kuenga, cultivated herbs at the Chef's Garden in Yusipang, Thimphu, from 2009 to 2015.
The objectives of Bhutan Herbal Tea are multi-fold:
- Generate employment opportunities for youth and community members.
- Establish a sustainable source of income for local communities.
- Champion eco-friendly practices, committing to 100% organic production.
- Contribute to soil conservation, reducing nutrient loss, maintaining soil moisture, enhancing organic matter, and promoting soil health.
- Align with the government's organic agriculture policy.
- Educate individuals about health-conscious choices and reduce imports.
History of Bhutan Herbal Tea
Bhutan Herbal Tea was officially founded in March 2016, with the idea taking shape in early 2015 between the two partners. Wangchuk Kuenga, drawing from seven years of experience from 2002 to 2009 at the Chef's Garden in the United States, brought expertise in herb production management, pest control, marketing, and planning.
Rinzin Wangchuk's passion for the herbal tea business was sparked during his tenure at Juice Generation, located at 117 West, nestled between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway in New York City. Over four years, he progressed from a newcomer to a supervisory role at this organic and natural juice bar, renowned for its healthy soups, sandwiches, salads, cookies, and energy bars. Juice Generation was frequented by celebrities like Salma Hayek, Demi Moore, Brooke Shields, Yoko Ono (Late John Lennon’s wife), gym trainers, and trainees. Rinzin's inspiration and commitment to organics blossomed at Juice Generation, ultimately leading him to embark on the journey of organic herbal tea farming upon his return home.
At Bhutan Herbal Tea, they specialize in crafting premium herbal teas cultivated organically in the pristine, pollution-free Himalayan environment. To ensure uncompromised quality, their herbs are grown and harvested above 9,000 feet (2750 meters) above sea level. They hand-harvest the herbs at their peak, meticulously dry them, and package them without any chemical additives, preserving their optimum nourishment, medicinal value, and natural flavor.
Their tea farm stands as the first and only herbal tea farm in Bhutan, becoming a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists seeking gifts, unique experiences, and knowledge about healthy organic herbal teas. Bhutan Herbal Teas are available in various packages tailored for daily consumption, souvenirs, and gifts, embodying our tagline, 'Wellness in every sip!'
Bhutan Herbal Tea Offerings
Among their diverse herbal tea offerings, five are certified organic: Chamomile, Peppermint, Lemon Verbena, Sea Buckthorn, and Hypericum teas. Of these, three have earned the 'Brand Bhutan' certification as 'Grown in Bhutan'—Chamomile, Peppermint, and Lemon Verbena.
Today, Bhutan Herbal Teas are readily accessible across the country, with limited exports to India and Taiwan, encompassing both raw materials and finished products.
Hopes and Aspirations of Bhutan Herbal Tea Founders
A core ambition of the founders is to extend cultivation opportunities to farmers and communities nationwide, taking advantage of favorable vegetation, and subsequently exporting the yield to improve trade balance. This initiative also holds promise as global awareness of health-conscious choices continues to grow. They aspire to expand their product range to include essential oils, and related items such as peppermint candies, chewing gums, balms, massaging oils, and pain relievers, all proudly carrying the 'Made in Bhutan' and 'Grown in Bhutan' labels."
This feature is a part of the Brand Bhutan series to promote Bhutanese entrepeneurs.
