MEET SHEEBA: TEA TASTER & GENERAL ASSISTANT, VAN REES INDIA
Tasting Indian teas
“I work as a Tea Taster and General Assistant at Van Rees India Private Limited. Every day, I taste and analyze different teas to ensure they meet the required standards and the expectations of our buyers, focusing on factors like flavor, aroma, and appearance. We are a team of four, serving different customers but conducting tastings together to share our findings. My main focus is on our consortium business.
A logistics puzzle
At Van Rees India, we manage both direct shipments from estates and teas sourced through the open auction system. Our office serves as the central hub for quality control, packaging, documentation, and dispatch. We verify that the teas comply with laws, regulations, and sustainability requirements, and we make sure the tea is properly packed in secure and durable materials with the right labels and marks.
Shipping coordination is another responsibility of mine, which involves preparing and managing accurate shipping documents. I collaborate closely with producers, shipping companies, and buyers to guarantee efficient logistics, which can be a puzzle. Clear communication and accuracy in documentation are at the core of our operations, ensuring seamless transactions and timely deliveries.
Frost tea
As a native of the Nilgiris, it fills me with pride to be able to showcase teas from the region I belong to! Nilgiri teas have won my heart with their exceptional quality, their diverse range of varieties, and their distinct flavor profile—light, brisk, and slightly sweet. The region’s unique climate, soil, and altitude contribute to the tea’s delicate and refined taste, with hints of fruit and floral notes. My favorite tea is Frost tea, made from young leaves and buds, plucked during the winter months of December and January. This tea is harvested only in the early morning hours, preserving its fantastic fresh aroma and flavor.
Every day an adventure
Every day is an adventure, filled with discovering unique teas, learning about innovative production techniques, and fostering strong relationships with tea professionals from diverse backgrounds. This makes my work both exciting and engaging. I’m very happy to be part of our platform, where we carefully assess and evaluate teas that delight our buyers and exceed their expectations.”
