In short: Phulbari Tea Estate is a black-tea producer in Sonitpur district, Assam, India, operated by Mcleod Russel India Ltd. and recorded as a supplier to Sainsbury's.
Phulbari Tea Estate is a black-tea producer located in Sonitpur district, in the state of Assam, India. The estate is operated by Mcleod Russel India Ltd., historically one of the largest tea producers in the world. Phulbari is recorded as a supplier to Sainsbury's, the major British supermarket chain.
Terroir & Climate
Phulbari sits at approximately 81 metres above sea level in the Brahmaputra valley, placing it in the low-elevation band typical of much of Assam's tea belt. Estates at this altitude generally experience the warm, humid conditions and heavy monsoon rains that characterise the region, with seasonal variations between the dry pre-monsoon months and the intense summer downpours. This climate typically promotes vigorous vegetative growth and year-round production potential, though quality and character tend to shift markedly between flush periods.
At this latitude and elevation, tea plants ordinarily contend with minimal diurnal temperature variation and abundant moisture, conditions that tend to favour yield and robust leaf development over the slower, more nuanced maturation seen at higher altitudes. The alluvial soils common to Sonitpur district are generally fertile and well-suited to tea cultivation, though estates in the valley often require careful water management during the monsoon. The warm lowland environment typically supports a long cropping season, with multiple flush cycles from spring through autumn.
Tea Produced
Phulbari produces black tea. Estates in the Assam valley at this elevation typically yield teas with a full body, malty sweetness, and brisk astringency, characteristics widely associated with lowland Assamese leaf. The second flush—usually harvested from late May into summer—tends to produce the most prized liquors from the region, often displaying stronger malt notes and coppery brightness. Lower-elevation Assam teas are generally valued for blending strength and are commonly found in breakfast blends and ready-to-drink formats, though specific cup character will vary by season, manufacturing technique, and garden management.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Phulbari is recorded as a supplier to Sainsbury's, one of the United Kingdom's largest supermarket chains. This relationship indicates that the estate participates in the retail own-label supply chain, a segment that demands consistent volume, adherence to buyer specifications, and typically competitive pricing. Sainsbury's sources tea for both branded and own-brand products, and estates supplying major UK retailers are generally required to meet third-party audit standards, even where formal certifications are not publicly recorded. The presence of Phulbari in Sainsbury's supply network suggests the estate's output meets the quality and traceability expectations of a major European grocery buyer.
- Recorded supplier to Sainsbury's
Operator
Phulbari is operated by Mcleod Russel India Ltd., a company long established as one of the world's largest private-sector tea producers. At its height, Mcleod Russel managed dozens of estates across India and Uganda, though the company has faced financial restructuring in recent years. Within our directory, Mcleod Russel operates six other estates, reflecting the scale—albeit reduced—of its continuing footprint in Indian tea production. The company's estates have historically supplied both the auction system and direct buyers, with a significant proportion of output destined for export markets.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Phulbari Tea Estate lies at 26.8269, 92.7678 in Sonitpur, India. Its 81 m elevation is the joint 4th highest of 5 estates we map in Sonitpur. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Addabarie Tea Estate — 3.0 km away · No.4 Sessa T.E
- Harchurah Tea Estate — 6.0 km away · Assam
- Dhulapadung — 7.4 km away · Assam
- Tarajulie Tea Estate — 7.6 km away · Assam
- Ghoirallie — 12 km away · Assam
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Phulbari Tea Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Phulbari Tea Estate (81 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Phulbari Tea Estate recorded 3,338 mm in 2025, 6% more than the 3,144 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pertabghur Tea Estate | Sonitpur, India | 81 m | 2,821 mm | 28.7 °C |
| Talma Tea Industries Ltd | Rangpur, Bangladesh | 82 m | 3,066 mm | 29.2 °C |
| Bokakhat Tea Estate | Bokakhat, India | 82 m | 2,552 mm | 28.3 °C |
| Kithulgala | Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka | 83 m | 3,969 mm | 30.3 °C |
| Susantha | Southern Province, Sri Lanka | 79 m | 3,310 mm | 30.0 °C |
Phulbari Tea Estate Compared with Sonitpur
In Sonitpur, Phulbari Tea Estate is wetter than 75% of the others by 2025 rainfall; the lowest of the 5 estates by elevation; warmer than 50% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Phulbari Tea Estate against the 4 other estates we map in Sonitpur, so you can see whether it is typical for its region or an outlier.
| Measure | Phulbari Tea Estate | Region median | Region range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 81 m | 86 m | 81 to 115 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 3,338 mm | 2,888 mm | 2,821 to 3,374 mm |
| Mean daily high | 28.8 °C | 28.8 °C | 28.6 to 28.9 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 19.4 °C | 19.9 °C | 18.9 to 20.1 °C |
Observed Climate at Phulbari Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Phulbari Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 3,338 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was August (659 mm) and the driest was December (1 mm). Daytime highs averaged 28.8 °C and overnight lows 19.4 °C over the year; July was the warmest month and January the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 3,338 mm |
| Wettest month | August (659 mm) |
| Driest month | December (1 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 28.8 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 19.4 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Phulbari Tea Estate located?
Phulbari Tea Estate is in Sonitpur, India, at coordinates 26.8269, 92.7678, at an elevation of about 81 metres.
Who operates Phulbari Tea Estate?
Phulbari Tea Estate is operated by Mcleod Russel India Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Phulbari Tea Estate produce?
Phulbari Tea Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does Phulbari Tea Estate supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Phulbari Tea Estate as supplying Sainsbury's.
How much rain does Phulbari Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 3,338 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in August (659 mm).
How does Phulbari Tea Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Phulbari Tea Estate recorded 3,338 mm in 2025, 6% more rain than the 3,144 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
