About us
Thai Tea Suwirun is an organic tea plantation in Chiang Rai, meticulously cultivated with a craftsmanship approach. Our tea products are uniquely crafted and rich in natural health benefits. We prioritize eco-friendly practices, delivering sustainable wellness from our tea fields directly to tea enthusiasts. Our mission is to provide a truly premium tea-drinking experience, rooted in the purity of nature.
Caring for Tea Like Caring for People
In 1994, Kamjorn Manitwirun began cultivating tea on flatlands by converting a 5-rai mango orchard purchased by the family. Situated 400 meters above sea level, Suwirun Tea’s farming methods stood out from conventional practices. Even in the early days, Taiwanese tea farmers likened these methods to something out of a fairytale, noting how "unsightly" the farm appeared.
On each 1.5 square meters of land, only one tea bush is planted, ensuring that each plant absorbs the maximum nutrients to grow optimally. The tea leaves are carefully handpicked – one bud and two leaves – without the use of knives or machinery. This method prevents cell activation within the leaves, which can lead to bitterness. To this day, this meticulous process remains unchanged.
Suwirun Tea embraces organic farming practices, prioritizing quality and safety over quantity. While the production volume may be lower, and the process more time-intensive, each tea leaf guarantees safety and exceptional quality. The robust flavors of the tea persist through two or three infusions, standing apart from teas harvested with older leaves in bulk, which often lack the same intensity and refinement.
Quality From Nature, Growing Business
In 1998, Suwirun Thai Tea established a fully integrated tea production facility and officially registered the business under the name "Thai Tea Suwirun." This name carries deep family and cultural significance, inspired by the founder's mother, Sujinsaeng, and the family surname, Manitwirun.
The inclusion of "Thai Tea" reflects a heartfelt sentiment from the founder’s grandfather, who often expressed gratitude for the opportunities Thailand had provided him during challenging times. His philosophy of giving back to the land inspired the addition, symbolizing respect and appreciation for Thailand’s rich resources and traditions.
Meow Jaruwan Natinwirun, the Managing Director of Suwirun Thai Tea, pursued a degree in Business Administration at Chiang Mai University while assisting her family with the tea business. At the age of 21, she took on a full-time role in the company, marking the start of her career. This became her first and only job.
With a commitment to natural quality and organic farming practices, Suwirun Thai Tea has expanded to over 1,400 rai of tea plantations across five growing regions. The company produces more than 57 varieties of tea, along with over 20 types of herbs and flowers.
In 1998, Thai Tea Suwirun established its first retail store in the heart of Chiang Rai, offering a variety of tea leaves, tea sets, and brewing accessories. By 2014, the store was renovated to include a tea café, Suwirun TeaFé, on the first floor, serving beverages and baked goods to customers. The second floor, Suwirun Tea Shop, was dedicated to selling premium teas, gifts, and tea-making tools.
Today, Suwirun Thai Tea exports premium tea products to over 20 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States, Chile, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Singapore, and the Philippines.