A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Rishi Tea's Thai Tea Origins

At Rishi Tea, our commitment to Direct Trade and sustainable sourcing is deeply rooted in the relationships we’ve cultivated over the years. Nowhere is this more evident than in our decade-long partnership with the tea farmers of Mae Taeng, Northern Thailand. This collaboration has not only transformed the local tea industry but has also empowered entire communities to shift from traditional methods to organic production, all while preserving the unique history of tea in this region.

The History of Rishi Tea’s Black Tea in Mae Taeng

The Mae Taeng District of Chiang Mai has a rich tea history dating back to 1938, when black tea varieties and manufacturing techniques from Assam, India were first introduced. A prominent Chiangmai-based family secured tea seeds from Assam and brought the knowledge to Thailand, establishing a thriving tea industry that supplied black tea for the local milk tea and iced tea markets.

Over the decades, the family expanded their operation, even partnering with Lipton-Unilever to introduce additional tea varieties from Kenya and Sri Lanka. Eventually, the family reclaimed full ownership of the factory, continuing to cultivate a diverse range of tea bush genetics from Assam, Yunnan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. This blend of history, terroir, and biodiversity created an exceptional environment for tea cultivation.

Fifteen years ago, Rishi Tea’s founder, Joshua Kaiser, teamed up with the Chiangmai-based Wangvivat family to pioneer Thailand’s organic tea industry. Together, they established the Cha Siam Organic Tea project, transforming the old Lipton CTC factory into a hub for hybrid fermentation and drying techniques, blending red and black tea production. Through this partnership, they achieved organic certification and expanded the production scale, making it the largest organic black tea exporter in Thailand.

Fostering Community Growth Through Organic Tea

One of the cornerstones of this collaboration has been the engagement with local Lahu leaders from 11 surrounding villages, encouraging them to transition to organic certified tea production. For many of these villages, the shift from traditional Miang production to organic black tea farming has been transformative.

Miang, a form of pickled and fermented tea that predates tea drinking, was historically a major source of income for these communities. However, the production of Miang is labor-intensive and time-consuming, while the shrinking market for it and lower value made it unsustainable. Many villages were rich in organic tea resources but lacked the expertise and market access to make the most of their forest-grown teas.

Rishi Tea saw an opportunity to change that. By offering higher prices for fresh tea leaves, we helped villages shift from Miang to organic black tea production, drastically improving their income and quality of life. This transition has not only provided financial stability but also allowed the communities to continue their ancestral tea cultivation practices in a more sustainable and profitable way.

The Cultural Legacy of Miang and the Evolution of Tea in Thailand

Miang remains an important part of Northern Thailand’s tea culture. Traditionally, it was consumed by chewing, much like tobacco, for energy and stimulation. The history of tea in Thailand goes back centuries, with tea seeds likely brought to the region by the Bulang and Dai ethnic tribes from Yunnan, China, who revered tea as "The Sacred Tree."

The first wave of tea culture in Northern Thailand was rooted in these ancient practices of tea eating, where fermented tea was consumed as part of the local diet. The second wave came in the 20th century, when British-style black tea and Chinese Pu’er and red tea traditions were introduced. This laid the foundation for modern tea production in Northern Thailand.

Rishi’s involvement marks the third phase—a renaissance of specialty and organic tea production in the region. This new wave of tea development blends ancient tea-growing practices with modern, sustainable techniques. We now see the production of not only black tea but also oolong, green, white, and Pu’er teas—all reflecting the unique terroir of Northern Thailand.

Organic Black Tea: A Decade of Impact

Over the past decade, our partnership with the farmers of Northern Thailand has helped them transition to more sustainable practices. By sourcing organic tea directly from these communities, we’ve ensured that their forest-grown teas continue to be valued, while preserving the biodiversity of the region.

The results speak for themselves. Traditional Miang-producing villages now harvest fresh tea leaves for Rishi’s organic black tea, enjoying faster payment and higher profits. This allows them to forego the laborious process of Miang production, freeing up time and resources. The partnership has led to the rejuvenation of old tea forests and plantations, ensuring the preservation of these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Celebrating Thailand’s Tea Heritage

Rishi Tea’s journey through Northern Thailand is a celebration of the region’s deep tea heritage. The collaboration with local farmers has allowed us to bring these ancient tea traditions to a global audience, while helping the communities thrive through sustainable farming.

As we look forward to the next decade, we remain committed to expanding our impact in Thailand and beyond, ensuring that every cup of Rishi Tea tells a story of sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.