Tea People Celebrates Double Shortlisting at UK Social Enterprise Awards

At Tea People, we’ve always believed that a cup of tea can do far more than quench thirst; it can spark conversations, build connections, and change lives. Now, that belief has been recognised on a national stage.

We are thrilled to announce that Tea People has been shortlisted in not one, but two categories at the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2025:

• Consumer Facing Social Enterprise of the Year Award

• International Impact Award

This double honour is a celebration of everyone who has joined us on our mission since 2013. From tea lovers discovering the joy of Japanese matcha tea to partners supporting our projects in tea-growing regions, this recognition belongs to all of you. It’s proof that when purpose and passion come together, even the simplest of rituals like brewing a cup of tea can ripple out into something extraordinary.

What the UK Social Enterprise Awards Represent

The UK Social Enterprise Awards, organised annually by Social Enterprise UK, are one of the most respected platforms recognising businesses with a conscience. Far beyond traditional business awards, they shine a spotlight on organisations that combine commercial success with measurable social and environmental impact.

With 15 categories, the awards celebrate innovation, diversity, and leadership across the social enterprise sector. From tackling climate change to addressing inequality, each finalist represents a model for the future of business.

For Tea People, being shortlisted in two categories is a powerful affirmation. It places us within a growing movement of organisations proving that profit and purpose can and should go hand in hand. At a time when conscious consumerism is reshaping industries, this recognition highlights how ethical businesses can inspire change across borders.

Tea People’s Journey: From Vision to Recognition

The journey of Tea People began in 2013, rooted in a simple yet bold vision: to eliminate poverty in tea-growing regions. Founded as the UK’s first social enterprise tea company, we set out to connect tea drinkers in the UK and beyond with the communities whose hard work makes their daily brew possible.

From day one, our mission was clear:

• Source high-quality teas from trusted producers and suppliers.

• Reinvest 50% of profits into education and social projects in tea-growing regions.

• Build a bridge between consumers and communities, showing that every purchase has power.

Over the past 12 years, Tea People has grown from a passionate start-up to a recognised name in the speciality tea space. Along the way, we’ve:

• Partnered with schools in tea-growing regions to provide resources and infrastructure.

• Expanded our product range to include everything from matcha tea and luxurious loose-leaf blends to a wide range of herbal and wellness teas.

• Built a loyal customer base of tea enthusiasts, health-conscious consumers, and socially aware supporters.

This shortlisting marks more than a business achievement. It is validation of over a decade of dedication, proof that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can thrive while making a tangible difference.

Double Recognition: What the Two Categories Mean

Being shortlisted in not just one but two categories is a powerful endorsement of Tea People’s dual impact, delighting customers while transforming communities. Each award highlights a different side of our story, yet together they capture the full essence of who we are.

Consumer Facing Social Enterprise of the Year

This award celebrates organisations that place customers at the heart of their business while staying true to their mission. For Tea People, this has always been our approach.

Every packet of tea is carefully crafted for quality, flavour, and experience. But beyond taste, our branding and storytelling highlight the people and communities behind each blend. Customers aren’t just buying tea; they’re joining a movement that makes education and empowerment possible in the very regions where tea is grown.

International Impact Award

This category honours organisations whose work resonates across borders. Tea People’s projects extend far beyond the UK, impacting communities in India, Sri Lanka, and other tea-growing regions. Through initiatives such as:

• Building classrooms and supporting schools.

• Creating opportunities for women in farming communities.

• Installing water filtration units to provide safe and clean drinking water to the tea pickers’ families.

Tea People has touched thousands of lives. Being shortlisted for this award underscores the global reach of our mission and our ability to turn commerce into long-lasting change.

Together, these two nominations highlight the balance we strive for: delivering exceptional experiences to our customers while driving transformative impact worldwide.

Voices from the Leadership

Recognition at this scale reaffirms the values that guide us. Neeraj Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of Tea People, captured the significance of this milestone:

“We are the UK’s first social enterprise tea company, working tirelessly since our inception in 2013. Being recognised by Social Enterprise UK is a huge endorsement of the work we do and will go a long way in helping us get closer to our vision of eliminating poverty in all tea-growing regions of the world.”

For our leadership team and staff, the shortlisting is both a moment of pride and a source of renewed motivation. It reminds us that every new product launch, every collaboration, and every community project moves us closer to a world where tea farmers and their families can thrive.

The Broader Impact: Beyond Tea

At its heart, Tea People is about more than selling tea. It’s about blending commerce with purpose to create sustainable social change. With the majority of our profits reinvested into social projects, the ripple effects of every purchase extend far and wide.

Some highlights of our impact so far include:

• 150+ Young people from tea picking families completed a full time diploma in English language/ Employability skills leading them to a path to a better future.

• 1,500+ Tea worker families got access to clean drinking water.

• 35,000+ Community members benefitted through student led service projects.

This recognition places Tea People within a wider global shift: consumers seeking ethical choices, and businesses responding with transparency and responsibility. By choosing Tea People, customers aren’t just enjoying some of the best tea and herbal infusions; they’re investing in a fairer, brighter future.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tea People

While the shortlisting is a moment of celebration, it also marks the start of a new chapter. Looking ahead, Tea People aims to:

• Expand our product range with new innovative blends.

• Continue driving sustainability by further reducing our environmental footprint.

• Deepen our work in tea-growing regions, reaching more communities and widening our impact further.

The recognition from the UK Social Enterprise Awards opens doors for new partnerships, wider awareness, and opportunities to scale our impact.

Conclusion

This double shortlisting is a celebration shared with our team, our partners, our customers, and the communities we serve. Without your support, none of this would be possible.

As we look forward to the awards ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London, on 26 November 2025, we remain committed to our vision: using tea as a force for good.

Together, let’s continue to prove that a cup of tea can do more than refresh; it can educate, empower, and transform lives.

Be part of our journey. Discover our award-winning teas and matcha today, and brew change with every sip.