Temi Tea signs MoU with MRC Agrotech to expand national and global reach

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : In a significant move to promote Sikkim’s organic and sustainable agriculture on national and international platforms, Temi Tea Estate, under the Commerce and Industries department, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai-based MRC Agrotech Limited. The agreement was formalized at an event held in Gangtok on Tuesday.

The MoU aims to enhance the marketing and distribution of retail packets of Temi Tea across India, marking a major step towards positioning the brand in premium domestic and global markets.

Announcing the collaboration, Tea Board of Sikkim chairman R.K. Waling emphasized that the State government, under the leadership of Chief Minister P.S. Golay, is committed to developing Temi Tea Estate to its full potential. He noted that Temi Tea is not only a product but a symbol of Sikkim’s heritage, and strategic branding and marketing are crucial to expanding its presence beyond state borders.

A three-year contract has been signed with MRC Agrotech, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The collaboration is expected to bring new opportunities for local employment and benefit small-scale farmers in rural areas by supporting their packaging and value addition initiatives.

Waling also shared that over 400 Sikkimese are currently employed in the tea sector and that more jobs are expected to be created as the project scales up.

Efforts to increase the production and export of Sikkim’s organic products including Temi Tea are underway, with government approvals and interdepartmental coordination in progress.

The chairman also highlighted the strong support of the Chief Minister and key officials including Commerce and Industries minister T.T. Bhutia, Industries secretary, and principal director.

SEED Cell president Raj Lama said the MoU is a timely move that brings in external expertise and business investment. He noted that MRC Agrotech, a listed company with strong marketing capabilities, will not only help scale Temi Tea’s market presence but also upskill local staff in branding and sales. He acknowledged that many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Sikkim face revenue challenges and said such partnerships can help improve financial sustainability through improved market access and efficiency.

MRC Agrotech is also committing marketing resources, skilled personnel, and logistics expertise to strengthen the Temi Tea brand. The company expects to see early signs of profitability within the first year, with the three-year term offering a "cushion period" for growth and adjustment.

Radha Pradhan, managing director of Temi Tea, outlined a strategic plan for repositioning the brand. She shared that until now, Temi Tea has handled marketing independently, but with MRC Agrotech’s partnership, the focus will shift to expanding into premium retail segments across metro cities and tier-one markets. Their expertise in distribution and logistics is expected to significantly boost visibility and brand value.

Beyond tea, Temi Tea Estate is also working with local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote other organic products like buckwheat flour, millet powder, turmeric, and ginger. Plans are in place to expand the product line and showcase a broader range of Sikkim-grown goods on national and global platforms.

Currently, Temi Tea is available in Sikkim, West Bengal, select Indian states, Japan, and parts of Europe. The new partnership aims to broaden that footprint across India and into additional international markets.

Speaking at the event, MRC Agrotech CEO Ashok Kumar Singh said that Temi Tea, as Sikkim’s only tea estate, has strong brand potential. His company, which has a background in cultivation and seed processing, sees the partnership as a way to take Sikkim’s premier tea brand to the global stage. MRC Agrotech will now handle the branding, marketing, and distribution efforts.

Established in 1969, Temi Tea Estate is Sikkim’s only tea estate and is 100% organic. Known for its smooth, sweet, and aromatic flavor, the tea is hand-plucked and produced using traditional, sustainable methods. It is available in both black and green variants and is celebrated worldwide for its unique quality.