Organic India: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Organic India is a globally recognized company rooted in the organic and Ayurvedic health products industry. Founded in 1997 by Bharat Mitra and Bhavani Lev, the company has built a reputation for its commitment to sustainable agriculture and authentic Ayurvedic wellness solutions. Known primarily for its organic Tulsi teas, Organic India has expanded its product range to include health supplements, herbal infusions, and organic food items. The company’s unique model supports marginal farmers and emphasizes transparency, quality, and environmental stewardship. In this article, discover a compelling journey of how Organic India blends tradition, science, and social responsibility to transform health and wellness worldwide.

1. Origins and Founders

Organic India was established in 1997 in Lucknow, India, by Bharat Mitra and Bhavani Lev (née Holly Bronfman). Bharat Mitra had a spiritual upbringing and was a disciple of the late HWL Poonja, known as Papaji, which deeply influenced the company's philosophy emphasizing love, consciousness, and sustainability. The founding couple sought to support India’s marginal farmers by creating a brand that represented authentic organic herbal products rooted in Ayurvedic traditions. Their vision extended beyond commerce—to positively impact farmer livelihoods and promote holistic wellness.

2. Product Range and Key Offerings

The company is best known for its organically grown Tulsi teas, which come in various flavors such as Tulsi Green, Tulsi Masala Chai, and Tulsi Lemon Ginger. Organic India also produces an extensive line of Ayurvedic health supplements, herbal powders, and organic staples like jaggery and honey. Their products are halal certified and meet rigorous organic standards, ensuring they are free from synthetic pesticides and chemical additives. The brand’s products serve wellness needs including immunity, digestion, stress relief, and detoxification.

3. Commitment to Organic Farming and Farmer Support

Organic India’s business model is unique in that it works directly with thousands of small family farmers in tribal and rural regions across India. The company provides seeds, fertilizers, technical training, and organic certification support. It assumes risk for crops in cases of failure, thereby ensuring farmers' financial security. This support has converted over 10,000 acres of arable land into organic farmland in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh. The company pays premium prices for certified organic produce, encouraging sustainable farming practices.

4. Focus on Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture

At the core of Organic India’s ethos is regenerative agriculture—a farming approach designed to restore and enrich the soil, increase biodiversity, and improve water cycles. The company’s cultivation practices avoid chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified seeds. Their farming partners are trained in biodynamic and traditional methods that sustain the ecosystem while producing high-quality herbs. Additionally, Organic India operates a LEED Platinum certified production facility, reflecting their dedication to environmental responsibility.

5. Global Reach and Market Presence

Organic India exports its products globally, with a strong presence in India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe and the Middle East. The brand’s Tulsi tea lines are especially popular internationally, reflecting a growing global interest in Ayurvedic and herbal wellness. By combining traditional knowledge with modern quality control, Organic India maintains a niche as a leader in the organic herbal market worldwide.

6. Acquisition by Tata Consumer Products

In January 2024, Organic India was acquired by Tata Consumer Products for ₹1,900 crore (approximately $230 million USD). This acquisition marks a strategic move to expand Tata’s health and wellness portfolio. It leverages Tata’s extensive retail and distribution reach, enabling Organic India to widen its availability and impact. Despite the acquisition, Organic India continues to uphold its founding principles of organic integrity and farmer welfare.

7. Quality Assurance and Certifications

Organic India maintains stringent quality control with over 600 tests performed on their herbs, far exceeding typical regulatory requirements. Their adherence to international organic certifications and halal standards ensures product purity and authenticity. The company emphasizes traceability, allowing consumers to verify the source and cultivation methods behind each product. Such transparency has built trust among consumers wary of greenwashing and fake organic claims prevalent in the market.

8. Health and Wellness Philosophy

Rooted in Ayurveda, Organic India embraces a holistic approach to health—termed “True Wellness.” Their products are designed to support body, mind, and spirit balance through natural ingredients and traditional recipes. For example, Tulsi (holy basil) is valued for its adaptogenic properties, helping to mitigate stress, improve immunity, and promote metabolic health. This philosophy resonates in their product formulations, which aim for synergy of benefits rather than isolated effects.

9. Social and Community Impact

Beyond product sales, Organic India has created socio-economic change in rural India by empowering tribal and smallholder farmers with education, fair wages, and healthcare. The company helps maintain indigenous knowledge and biodiversity through organic cultivation. Its model promotes gender equity and community development by integrating farmers’ families into sustainable supply chains. This social commitment distinguishes Organic India as not just a brand, but a movement for environmental and social harmony.

10. Innovations and Campaigns

Organic India is also known for innovative initiatives such as producing organic, natural, non-toxic Holi colors, aligning festive traditions with health and environmental safety. In recent years, the brand has launched the “Sirf Naam Se Nahi, Kaam Se Organic” campaign featuring cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. The campaign educates consumers about authentic organic products, urging them to look beyond mere labels and demand proof of quality and integrity. Such efforts highlight Organic India’s dedication to awareness and education alongside commerce.

Conclusion

Organic India stands as a beacon of authentic organic and Ayurvedic wellness products worldwide. From its founding by spiritually inspired entrepreneurs to its modern-day integration with Tata Consumer Products, the company has upheld a vision that combines health, sustainability, and social impact. Its commitment to supporting farmers, preserving the environment, and delivering genuine wellness solutions highlights the powerful synergy between tradition and modern business ethics. As consumer demand for trustworthy organic products grows, Organic India’s journey invites reflection on how conscious choices can foster a healthier planet and society. Will Organic India continue to lead this transformative path in the coming decades?