In the hills of Darjeeling, something special is brewing. Syangbo’s Living Food and Beverages isn’t just another beverage company – it’s a story of three individuals who decided to blend their tribal heritage with modern innovation to create something unique. Leading this mission is a trio of passionate founders: Ashish Syangbo Tamang as CEO, Sabnam Tamang as COO, and Pritam Subba as CMO. Together, they’ve built more than just a business; they’ve created a platform for preserving and sharing their cultural heritage.
Products and Innovation: A First in India
What makes Syangbo’s special is their commitment to keeping things real. They’ve become India’s first brand to produce sparkling tea using real tea leaves – not extracts or artificial flavors. Their beverages combine hand-plucked Darjeeling tea, pure Himalayan spring water, and local honey, creating drinks that are raw, authentic, and unpasteurized.
Community Impact and Partnerships
The real story isn’t just in the bottles – it’s in the people. Their small team of five employees, 80% of whom come from tribal communities, work alongside more than 300 small tea growers and 100 honey farmers from the region. These partnerships aren’t just business arrangements; they are relationships that help sustain local communities and preserve traditional farming practices.
Branding with Purpose
Their brand identity reflects their deep connection to the Himalayas and tribal heritage. Through eco-friendly packaging, traditional designs, and authentic storytelling, they share not just their products but their cultural legacy with every customer. Their active presence at cultural festivals, tasting sessions, and social media platforms helps them build genuine connections with their audience.
Challenges and Learning
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Breaking into the competitive beverage market, finding the right team members, and securing funding that aligns with their values are ongoing hurdles. But as they say at Syangbo’s, every challenge is a chance to learn and grow stronger.
Recognition and Milestones
Their hard work and commitment haven’t gone unnoticed. The Government of India and DPIIT recognized their efforts, even inviting them to the Republic Day Parade – a proud moment for a small company from a remote part of Darjeeling. Their connection with NICEorg has opened new doors, helping them connect with others who share their vision of building businesses that preserve cultural heritage.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Syangbo’s has ambitious plans:
- Partnering with women-led cooperatives
- Exploring sustainable packaging innovations
- Collaborating with health and wellness brands
But at the heart of all these plans is a simple goal: to create opportunities for their community while sharing their cultural heritage through every bottle they produce.
Impact That Matters
The story of Syangbo’s Living Food and Beverages shows that success doesn’t have to mean compromising your values. By staying true to their roots while embracing innovation, they are proving that traditional wisdom and modern businesses can work together to create something meaningful.
Each bottle of their beverage carries more than just refreshment – it carries the story of the Himalayas, of traditional craftsmanship, and of a community working together to preserve their heritage while building a sustainable future. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best business ideas come not from market research, but from the heart of a culture that has centuries of wisdom to share.
