Old Harbor Tea: From Surat’s Legacy to Your Cup
Old Harbor Tea: From Surat’s Legacy to Your Cup
Tea is more than a drink—it is history, heritage, and a story of passion passed down through generations. For Old Harbor Tea, the story begins in Surat, one of the first cities in India to import tea, and continues today in every cup we share with the world.
Surat: India’s First Gateway for Tea
In the 1600s, Surat was the Mughal Empire’s busiest port city. It became one of the first entry points for tea in India, imported by European traders from China. Merchants, nobles, and early settlers in Surat were among the first to experience this exotic beverage, long before tea became a part of India’s daily life.
This historic connection to the tea trade and culture laid the foundation for what would later become Old Harbor’s enduring story.
A Family Rooted in Surat, Growing with Tea
Our mentor and master blender, the late Mr. Suresh Jivraj Shah, was deeply rooted in Surat, where he cultivated exceptional skill in tasting, nosing, and curating teas. His expertise set a benchmark of excellence, establishing a family tradition centered on tea.
Carrying forward his vision, his son, Mr. Kiran Sureshbhai Shah, took his passion from Surat to the lush tea estates of Assam. With dedication and precision, he immersed himself in discovering, selecting, and blending the finest Indian teas—ensuring that Old Harbor continues to honor both its Surat roots and Assam’s tea-growing heritage.
Old Harbor Tea: Blending Heritage with Innovation
At Old Harbor, we combine centuries of legacy with modern expertise. From hand-picking the tenderest leaves in Assam to using state-of-the-art blending and packaging techniques, we preserve the natural taste, aroma, and freshness that make our teas unique.
Each blend of Old Harbor Tea reflects:
🌱 Heritage from Surat – where India’s tea journey first began
🍃 Finest Assam Leaves – known for their bold character and rich flavor
🔥 Generational Expertise – knowledge passed down through four generations
☕ A Journey from Leaf to Cup – crafted to deliver comfort and quality in every sip
Carrying Surat’s Legacy Forward
What began in Surat in the 1650s as India’s first encounter with imported tea has grown into a national tradition—and Old Harbor is proud to be part of this story. With deep family roots in Surat and decades of experience in Assam’s tea estates, we bring together the history, culture, and craft of tea in every blend.
Today, Old Harbor Tea is a leader in premium teas, infusions, ready-to-drink beverages, coffees, sugars, and herbs, sharing India’s tea heritage with the world.
Every cup of Old Harbor is not just tea—it is Surat’s history, Assam’s richness, and our family’s passion blended together, from leaf to cup.
Bibliography / References
1. Chaudhuri, K. N. The Trading World of Asia and the English East India Company, 1660–1760. Cambridge University Press, 1978.
2. Prakash, Om. European Commercial Enterprise in Pre-Colonial India. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
3. Ukers, William H. All About Tea. New York: The Tea and Coffee Trade Journal Company, 1935.
4. Griffiths, Percival. The History of the Indian Tea Industry. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1967.
5. Mukherjee, Rila. Surat: Port of the Mughal Empire. Primus Books, 2011.
6. British Library – India Office Records: Early Trade and Commerce in Surat.