Manipur Entrepreneurs Revolutionize Drinks With Fruits and Flowers

A wave of young entrepreneurs in Manipur is redefining the beverage industry by crafting caffeine-free herbal drinks from indigenous plants, tapping into the state’s rich botanical heritage.

Using ingredients like sumac berries, gooseberries, banana peels, and vibrant Red Roselle, startups like Dweller Teas and Nongmadol Beverage are blending tradition with innovation to offer health-focused, sustainable alternatives to caffeinated drinks.

Elizabeth Yambem, founder of Dweller Teas, launched her venture in 2017 to reconnect with childhood memories of Manipur’s flavors. “We produce over 10 varieties of herbal tea, employing 20 women at our Uripok unit in Imphal West,” Yambem told PTI. Sourcing locally grown plants from villages like Phayeng and Ukhrul, her company offers teas starting at Rs 50 per packet, with products sold across and beyond Manipur.

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“Ingredients like Nong-mang-kha, a traditional medicinal plant, bring nostalgic and health benefits,” she added.

Selina Mutum, founder of Nongmadol Beverage, is transforming waste into wellness by using banana and pineapple peels, infused with spices for unique flavors. “I saw manufacturers discarding banana peels and wanted to create a sustainable, herbal drink,” Mutum shared.

Launched in January 2024 in Heingang, Imphal East, her six-woman team produces 500-700 boxes monthly, priced between Rs 50 and Rs 200. Supply chain disruptions due to Manipur’s ongoing ethnic conflict occasionally hinder operations, she noted.

These startups are gaining traction among health-conscious youth, with Manipur University student Thounaojam Selika praising the drinks’ caffeine-free appeal and health benefits. “They’re a hit on campus,” she said.

By leveraging local herbs and sustainable practices, Manipur’s entrepreneurs are not only preserving cultural heritage but also carving a niche in the growing functional beverage market.

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