‘Chamong: The Best in Black Means Thinking Clean and Green’

The Chamong Group is almost as legendary in the world of tea as the regions in which their world-famous brew is produced. Established in 1916 and now entering its sixth generation, the family-run Chamong Group owns tea estates in Darjeeling and Assam, in northeastern India. Both these exotic regions are fabled as much for their immaculate, timeless beauty as their dazzling varieties of black tea. In Darjeeling, Chamong runs five estates, and thirteen in Assam, and these estates are the exclusive source for all our Darjeeling and Assam black teas.

If you’re looking for fresh-tasting black tea that’s 100 percent organic, your search ends here. At Chamong, growing the best black tea means thinking clean and green: All the electric power at the Darjeeling estate is generated by harnessing local water resources, and all the estate’s workers are supplied with petroleum gas for their cooking and heating, hence, eliminating the locals’ dependence on wood fires. Abundant forest cover means flourishing tea gardens, of course, but it also helps preserve the natural habitat of Chamong’s rare wildlife and plant species.

Chamong’s commitment to harmonious practice also extends to the health and livelihood of its workers. Besides providing clean energy, the estate also maintains free housing, food, medical and maternity benefits for its workers. In fact, you’ll find fully equipped hospitals, primary schools and places of worship – not to mention the always-popular soccer tournaments – all right on the Chamong estates, ensuring that all residents have access to a sustainable livelihood.

The Chamong Group complies with USDA, EU and all HACCP norms, so, as you’re sipping a cup of our Darjeeling or Assam black teas, you can be sure of their world-class standards, and the tremendous care that goes into producing each cup. At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ®, we take great pride in our partnership with Chamong, and we look forward to exciting collaborative projects beginning in 2010.