In 2018, Sunil Chandra Saha and Nitesh Singh embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with a modest investment of just ₹1 lakh, founding Blue Tea. What began as an idea between two friends from different Indian states has blossomed into a thriving herbal tea brand, now projected to achieve an annual run rate (ARR) of ₹100 crore by late 2026.
From Inspiration to Innovation
Saha, with a background in microbiology and marketing, and Singh, from rural management, met in Chennai in 2011 during their first jobs. Inspired by the popular television series "Pitchers," which chronicles a startup's challenges, they decided to launch their own venture. Saha's discovery of an article about a purple-coloured drink sparked their interest. Further research revealed the popularity of caffeine-free tea made from butterfly pea flowers (also known as neelkanth or aparajita flowers) in Southeast Asia, a segment largely unorganized in India.
Empowering Indian Farmers
Initially, Blue Tea faced hurdles importing butterfly pea flowers from Thailand. This led the founders to seek domestic sources, discovering that neelkanth flowers were abundant in India but primarily used for religious purposes. Seizing this opportunity, Blue Tea began training small and marginal Indian farmers in drying and processing techniques for these flowers. This initiative not only secured a local supply chain but also significantly boosted farmers' monthly incomes, transforming earnings from approximately ₹5,000 to ₹16,000-17,000 for those participating.
Rapid Growth and Global Reach
Starting with just three blends and five herbs, Blue Tea has rapidly expanded its product portfolio to include over 60 herbs, 30 unique blends, and more than 200 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs). The company now has farming contracts across Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with around 60 farmers in a single Kanpur village dedicated to growing herbs for the brand.
Blue Tea products are widely available through major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Zepto, ensuring timely delivery to consumers. The brand's success extends beyond India, with a presence in 11 countries and recognition as one of the top 10 tea brands in the US. Strategic partnerships with entities like IndiGo airlines and Bluestone jewellery stores have further enhanced its visibility and market penetration.
Financial Milestones
Blue Tea reported an impressive ₹65 crore in revenue for the fiscal year 2024-25 and is currently operating at an annual run rate of ₹80-85 crore. With this strong trajectory, the founders anticipate crossing the significant ₹100 crore ARR milestone by October-November, solidifying their position as a leading herbal tea brand built on innovation and community empowerment.