From Idea to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Blue Tea Founders

Sunil Chandra Saha and Nitesh Singh's entrepreneurial journey showcases how a simple idea and determination can lead to success. With just one lakh rupees, they launched 'Blue Tea', a brand known for its unique herbal tea made from butterfly pea flowers. Their innovative approach not only led to impressive revenue growth but also empowered local farmers. As they aim for an annual revenue of 100 crores, their story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Read on to learn more about their remarkable journey and the impact of their business.

By Ambika Singh Oct 14, 2026, 11:00 IST

An Inspiring Journey

Sometimes, launching a successful business doesn't require millions, but rather a solid idea and the determination to execute it. The story of Sunil Chandra Saha and Nitesh Singh exemplifies this. Their paths crossed during their employment, where they conceived the idea of starting their own venture. Pooling their savings, they gathered a modest sum of one lakh rupees and ventured into the herbal tea industry.

A Business Worth 100 Crores

Launched in 2018, their brand 'Blue Tea' is renowned for its tea made from the flowers of the butterfly pea plant, known as Aparajita. This unique product gradually carved out a niche in the market, and the company is now projected to reach an annual revenue of 100 crores. Notably, this journey has not only expanded their business but also provided new income opportunities for the farmers cultivating these flowers.

Inspired by a TV Series

Sunil hails from West Bengal, while Nitesh is from Uttar Pradesh. Their friendship began in 2011 during their first job in Chennai. Sunil studied microbiology and marketing, whereas Nitesh has a background in rural management. Inspired by the TV series 'Pitchers', they decided to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. Sunil began exploring possibilities in this sector after reading an article about a purple beverage.

The Power of Butterfly Pea Flowers

During their research, they discovered that caffeine-free tea is made from butterfly pea flowers in Southeast Asia. At that time, the market for such products in India was limited. Recognizing this opportunity, they invested 50,000 rupees each to launch Blue Tea in 2018. Initially, they faced challenges sourcing flowers from Thailand, prompting them to seek local suppliers.

Empowering Farmers with New Techniques

While butterfly pea flowers were grown in India, farmers typically used them for religious purposes. The process of drying flowers for commercial products was not common. Their company taught farmers the techniques for drying and processing the flowers, initiating a purchasing relationship with small and marginal farmers. They began buying flowers at approximately 700 rupees per kilo, significantly increasing the monthly income of these farmers from 5,000 to 16,000-17,000 rupees.

From Three Blends to Over 200 Products

Initially, the company offered three blends and five types of herbs. Over time, their product line expanded to include over 60 herbs, 30 blends, and more than 200 SKUs. Around 60 farmers in a village near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, cultivate herbs for the company. Additionally, they have contracts with farmers from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Their products reach customers through e-commerce platforms and quick-commerce services like Blinkit and Zepto.

From 65 Crores to a Target of 100 Crores

In the fiscal year 2024-25, Blue Tea's revenue was 65 crores. Current estimates suggest the brand is now at 80-85 crores, with expectations to reach an annual revenue run rate of 100 crores by October-November. The company sells its products in 11 countries and has secured a place among the top 10 tea brands in the United States.