New Delhi: In a significant step towards expanding the market reach of tribal products, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tea Trunk, a brand known for its premium Indian tea blends. The partnership aims to integrate tribal products into the mainstream retail market, enhancing visibility and accessibility for a larger customer base.
The MoU was formalized on February 17, 2025, during the ongoing ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The signing took place in the presence of Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey and TRIFED Managing Director Ashish Chatterjee. The agreement was exchanged between TRIFED General Manager Sandeep Pahalwan and Tea Trunk Founder & CEO Snigdha Manchanda.
The collaboration between TRIFED and Tea Trunk is aimed at empowering tribal artisans and entrepreneurs by leveraging Tea Trunk’s well-established market presence. Through this initiative, tribal producers will gain direct access to larger retail markets, ensuring sustainable economic development. Additionally, the partnership will focus on skill development and capacity building to enhance the quality and appeal of tribal products.
TRIFED has been actively working towards strengthening the tribal economy through initiatives like ‘Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival’, which provides direct market access to tribal craftsmen and entrepreneurs. The festival’s theme, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce”, encapsulates the essence of tribal life and its rich heritage.
The 2025 edition of Aadi Mahotsav, which runs from February 16 to 24, was inaugurated by President of India Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, MoS Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj. The event serves as a major platform for promoting tribal crafts, culture, and commerce, bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, and buyers under one roof.
