Goodricke's Big Sip: From Tea Gardens to Tables and Stays

Goodricke Group, a leading Indian tea company and subsidiary of UK-based Camellia, is embarking on a strategic diversification plan to enter the FMCG and hospitality sectors. As part of this shift, the company will divest four of its tea estates—two already sold—to fund expansion into new verticals.

Vice-Chairman and MD A.N. Singh announced at the company’s 49th AGM that Goodricke aims to transform into a full-fledged FMCG brand. The product portfolio will include milk-based items, horticultural produce, and white-label goods—all marketed under the Goodricke brand alongside its signature tea offerings.

In hospitality, the company plans to tap into tea tourism by developing properties in Kolkata, Dooars, and Darjeeling. Talks are underway with major hotel chains for managing these assets. A notable project in Mirik involves expanding an existing property from six to 20 rooms, with infrastructure developed by Goodricke and operations managed by a partner.

Further diversification includes ventures into piggery and the cultivation of turmeric, ginger, and garlic. With West Bengal allowing up to 30% of tea garden land for alternative use, the move is expected to strengthen Goodricke’s revenue base while reducing reliance on traditional tea production.

The company currently manages 18 gardens across Dooars, Assam, and Darjeeling, producing 17 million kg of tea annually.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.