How India’s Finest Tea is Made: Tea Making Process Explained

From Gardens to Factory: Sourcing & Harvesting

It all begins in the early hours of the morning, when skilled workers pluck the tender tea leaves from the tea bushes. Plucking in the cool morning ensures freshness and prevents the leaves from fermenting too soon.

If the leaves are roughly handled, they will be bruised and the flavor affected. So, they are gently placed in baskets without any compression, and are now ready for the next step of processing. Then the leaves are transported to the factory for processing. During transport, the leaves are constantly aerated to avoid heating and clumping.

We source directly from trusted estates that follow ethical cultivation and plucking standards. We believe that great tea starts with great leaves, and that’s why we partner with plantations known for consistent quality and sustainable practices.

The Science of Tea Making

As soon as the leaves arrive at the factory, the actual metamorphosis starts. The processing consists of a number of vital stages, where every single step is monitored strictly to attain the ideal balance of aroma, flavor, and color.

1. Withering

Withering is the first step, where the leaves are spread out in thin layers for 12 to 20 hours. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and prepares the leaves for further processing. The process can be natural, using fresh air, or artificial, using controlled warm air in tunnels. The goal is to reduce moisture while preserving essential enzymes that define tea’s character.

2. Rolling

Next comes rolling, also known as maceration. The leaves are gently twisted and crushed using rolling machines. This step breaks down cell walls, allowing the natural enzymes to react with oxygen — a crucial stage for developing flavor. Temperature control is key here. If it rises above 35°C, the leaves can lose their aroma and natural taste profile.

3. Oxidation (Fermentation)

This is the place where the magic happens. Oxidation of the rolled leaves takes place under controlled air and humidity conditions. The process lasts till the leaves get the rich copper-red color — a signal that the flavor and color are completely developed. Present-day tea factories employ Continuous Fermenting Machines (CFM) to ensure consistency throughout the production process.

4. Drying

Once fermentation is complete, the oxidation process is stopped through drying. This is done using an advanced drying system, where warm air gently removes remaining moisture and locks in the aroma. The final moisture content is reduced to about 3.5%, turning the leaves dark and crisp while intensifying the tea’s aroma.

Quality Control & Grading

Once the tea is dried, it is sorted and graded. The tea is separated by size, texture, and appearance using machines such as fiber extractors and vibro screens. Achieving uniformity in this step is crucial because every batch of tea must have the same look, feel, and brew.

To bring down the moisture content below 3%, a final “firing” step is done. It ensures the consistency of moisture, aroma and flavor while preventing the tea from getting spoiled during export. Every batch is strictly monitored to ensure that the tea stands at par with domestic and international quality standards.

Packaging & Branding

Once the tea has successfully gone through all the quality checks, it is then moved to the packaging stage – which is when your brand identity takes shape. 

We do private label manufacturing and packaging for those tea brands that prefer outsourcing tea production and concentrating on marketing. We offer you tea in bulk sacks, retail pouches, or elegantly designed sachets.

Every batch of tea is packed in moisture-proof material to preserve freshness during transit. Whether you prefer loose leaf packaging, tea bags, or custom blends, we ensure the final product reflects your brand’s quality and vision.

From the leaf to the label, everything happens under one roof — simplifying your supply chain and reducing time to market.

Shipping Worldwide: Delivering India’s Aroma to You

Once packaged, the tea is carefully palletized, labeled, and prepared for shipment. As experienced bulk tea manufacturers and wholesale tea suppliers, we handle all export documentation, logistics coordination, and compliance with destination-country regulations.

Whether your brand caters to boutique cafes in the USA or large retail chains in Saudi Arabia, we ensure your tea consignment reaches safely and on time. 

Why Partner with Ess Pee Quality Products

When you work with us, you’re not just choosing a tea manufacturer. You’re partnering with one of the leading tea manufacturers in India that understands maintaining the right balance between nature, craftsmanship, and technology.

• End-to-End Manufacturing: From sourcing to packaging, we manage every step of production.
• Certified Quality: Every batch complies with strict global food safety standards.
• Custom Solutions: We tailor blends, packaging, and labeling to your brand identity.
• Scalable Operations: Our facilities can handle both small boutique batches and large commercial volumes.
• Sustainability Focus: We promote eco-friendly farming and have an ethical supply chain.

We believe that every brand deserves a product it can proudly stand behind — one that captures India’s tea legacy while meeting the highest global standards.

Conclusion

The manufacturing of tea isn’t just a process — it’s a story of tradition, precision, and collaboration. From the delicate plucking of leaves to the meticulous drying and packaging stages, every step contributes to the final cup your customers enjoy. At Ess Pee Quality Products, we turn this intricate process into a smooth experience for tea brands worldwide. So, whether you’re launching your own label or expanding an existing one, let us handle the manufacturing — while you focus on building your brand and growing your market reach.