V. Kowsalya, a resident of Kavundampalayam and a commerce graduate, always wanted to have a small-scale venture for her earning. Unable to start one for different reasons, she had worked in different companies here.
Her dream of self-employment came true a couple of months ago when her employer – Crystal Tea - not only gave her guidance but also joined hands with her to launch homemade chilled tea and coffee under the brand Nutri-Chill.
Ready-to-drink
With the support of her family members, she prepares iced tea (rose, green apple, lemon, and strawberry flavours) and iced coffee (six flavours) at home. These are ready-to-drink tea or coffee available in one, two and five litre containers and do not have preservatives. “I take the orders 12 hours before the delivery time. I prepare the tea or coffee at home before and after my office hours,” she says.
While Crystal Tea has provided the know-how and helps market the product, Kowsalya prepares the tea and coffee and delivers it to the customers. Started just a couple of months ago, she is able to earn Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 a month. These flavours, especially for iced tea, are not available in the domestic market. Several institutions – businesses and hotels – have evinced interest and are placing orders, she says.
According to Dipak Shah, Director of Crystal Tea, there are plans to start small outlets for sale of the iced tea and coffee and also to expand the network. The flavours have been developed in-house and it needs minimum investment to prepare the ice teas at home for sale. Buyers can even place orders for special occasions at home.
Though the demand is high now for chilled coffee, the demand for iced tea comes mainly from the hotels. Crystal Tea is an exporting unit, packing teas for several global brands. It has plans to expand in the domestic market soon, he said.
