In a significant initiative to enhance the market reach of tribal products, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), operating under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has forged a strategic alliance with Tea Trunk, a renowned brand known for its premium Indian tea leaves and distinctive blends.
This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 17, marking a crucial step toward integrating tribal products into the mainstream retail market and expanding their customer base.
The signing ceremony took place during the ongoing flagship event, ‘Aadi Mahotsav,’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the National Capital, running from February 16 to 24, 2025. Present at the event were Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, and TRIFED’s Managing Director, Shri Ashish Chatterjee. The MoU was officially exchanged between TRIFED General Manager, Shri Sandeep Pahalwan, and Tea Trunk’s Founder & CEO, Ms. Snigdha Manchanda.
This partnership aims to strengthen the tribal economy by leveraging Tea Trunk’s established market presence, thus expanding product options for consumers while fostering sustainable economic development for tribal producers. Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate skill development and capacity-building initiatives, further empowering tribal artisans and entrepreneurs.
TRIFED has been organizing the ‘Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival’ to provide direct market access to tribal master craftsmen and women in major metropolitan areas and state capitals. The festival’s theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” encapsulates the essence of tribal life and enterprise.
The festival was inaugurated on February 16, 2025, by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the esteemed presence of Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs; Shri Durgadas Uikey, MoS Tribal Affairs; and Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament, New Delhi.
TRIFED, functioning under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is committed to the socio-economic advancement of tribal communities through the promotion and marketing of their products.
Tea Trunk, a premium tea brand based in Goa, specializes in unique blends of Indian tea leaves, spices, and handicrafts. It offers a diverse selection of teas, including blends designed for detoxification, digestion, immunity boosting, stress relief, anti-aging, and weight loss, among others.
