Best Tea Companies in Kerala
- Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (KDHP)
- Harrisons Malayalam Limited
- A. V. Thomas & Co. Ltd. (AVT Beverages)
- Haileyburia Tea Estates Limited
- Kajah Tea
- Wayanad Agro Movement Tea Company (WAM Tea)
- Matheson Bosanquet Enterprises
- Masco Tea Factory
Kerala’s tea industry is closely linked with the state’s high ranges, particularly the tea-growing regions of Munnar, Idukki and Wayanad. From large plantation companies producing tea on an industrial scale to specialised manufacturers and exporters, the state has developed a diverse tea ecosystem. Kerala’s tea companies cater to both domestic consumers and international markets, producing varieties ranging from CTC and orthodox tea to green and other speciality teas.
Here are some of the notable tea companies associated with Kerala.
1. Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (KDHP)
Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (P) Limited is one of the most prominent names in Kerala’s tea sector. Based in Munnar, the company succeeded Tata Tea Limited in 2005 after the latter restructured its plantation operations in the region. KDHP describes itself as the world’s largest employee-owned tea company, with employees forming the majority of its shareholders.
Its connection with Munnar’s long tea-growing history, along with its estates, factories and tea outlets, makes KDHP a significant part of Kerala’s plantation landscape.
2. Harrisons Malayalam Limited
Harrisons Malayalam Limited is one of South India’s major tea producers, with extensive operations in Kerala. The company says it operates 13 tea estates and 11 factories and produces around 20 million kg of tea annually. Its portfolio includes both CTC and orthodox teas, along with limited organic production.
Its estates are spread across important tea-growing areas including Idukki and Wayanad. The company has also received recognition for tea quality at various industry competitions.
3. A. V. Thomas & Co. Ltd. (AVT Beverages)
A V THOMAS & CO LTD., through AVT Beverages, is a familiar name in India’s packaged tea market. The company is headquartered in Kochi and offers a range of tea products, including CTC dust tea, premium blends and green tea.
Its AVT Premium CTC Dust Tea is positioned as one of its flagship products, while its portfolio also includes green tea and other varieties.
4. Haileyburia Tea Estates Limited
Haileyburia Tea Estates has a long history in Kerala’s plantation sector. Established in 1923, the company operates the Haileyburia, Semnivalley and Chinnar estates in Idukki district. Its estates cover around 2,475 acres, with tea occupying a substantial portion of the planted area.
The company produces CTC black tea at its Semnivalley factory and markets Chinnar tea in Kerala and neighbouring markets. Its Chinnar brand has a presence across all 14 districts of Kerala, according to the company.
5. Kajah Tea
Based in Thrissur, Kajah Tea is part of the Rajah Group and focuses on tea manufacturing, private-label production and exports. The company was established in 2000 and says it has an annual tea production capacity of more than 2,500 metric tonnes.
Kajah specialises in CTC and orthodox teas and serves domestic as well as international customers. Its business model also includes customised packaging and private-label tea solutions, making it relevant to companies looking to develop their own tea brands.
6. Wayanad Agro Movement Tea Company
Wayanad Agro Movement Tea Company, better known as WAM Tea, represents the cooperative and small-grower side of Kerala’s tea industry. Based in Mananthavady, Wayanad, the company sources fresh tea leaves from hundreds of small tea growers.
WAM Tea says it works with tea cultivated across about 976 acres involving around 380 small growers. Its products include black, green and white teas, while its factory also produces multiple grades of tea for auction and export.
7. Matheson Bosanquet Enterprises
Matheson Bosanquet has a long association with tea plantation management, trading and exports. While its plantation division is based in the Nilgiris, the company has a major tea trading and export presence in Kochi through its Cochin division. It handles both orthodox and CTC teas and prepares tea blends for international markets.
Its presence at Willingdon Island also highlights Kochi’s importance as a centre for tea trading and exports from South India.
8. Masco Tea Factory
Masco Tea Factory in Vagamon is another tea-processing business associated with Kerala’s high-range tea belt. Located in Idukki district, the factory is part of the tea-processing network that supports production from Kerala’s plantation regions.
The presence of such factories shows that Kerala’s tea industry is not limited to large plantation groups. A network of factories, growers, processors and trading companies also contributes to the sector.
Conclusion
Kerala’s tea industry combines century-old plantations with newer manufacturing and export businesses. Munnar and Idukki remain important centres for high-range tea, while Wayanad has developed its own identity through small growers and regional processing. Companies such as KDHP, Harrisons Malayalam, AVT Beverages, Haileyburia and Kajah demonstrate the variety of business models operating within the state’s tea sector.
For consumers, the choice ranges from traditional strong CTC tea to orthodox, green and speciality varieties. For the wider economy, these companies continue to connect Kerala’s plantation regions with domestic markets and buyers beyond India.
