A sanctuary in the making
Craigmore functions as both a commercial tea operation and a protected ecosystem where restoration work actively supports biodiversity, which in turn, enhances tea productivity and quality.
Craigmore’s operations began in the mid-1800s with coffee and cinchona cultivation before transitioning to tea production. Decades of consistent leadership established practices in worker welfare, wildlife conservation, forest management, and quality tea production.
Today, Craigmore operates five integrated estates – Craigmore (Headquarters), Glencairnie, Pascoe’s Woodlands, Manar, and Palmyrah, comprising the largest contiguous tea plantation in the Nilgiris.
Under the new ownership, Craigmore is implementing systematic changes that build on its historical foundation while establishing advanced standards for ecological restoration and sustainable cultivation practices. Inspired by the past, we are looking decades ahead to adapt to climate and other changes, and future risks.
PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE
PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE
Notes of appreciation
“The manager is like the father of a thousand people here… that’s the kind of order Craigmore has cultivated.”
Longtime Buyer
Porcupine (Genus: Hystrix)
A shy night wanderer — not always a tea planter’s favourite for its taste for roots — but its gentle digging loosens the soil and helps the hills drink deeper.
A TIMELINE
OF TRUST
Early 1800s
British transformation begins
The Nilgiris evolved from indigenous homeland to colonial sanatorium and plantation economy.
1850s
onwards
Coffee cultivation starts
Craigmore began as a coffee estate under James Westwood Graham McIvor’s ownership.
1870s-1900s
Multiple estates established
Neighboring properties like Glencairnie, Woodlands, and Halashana were developed by prominent planters.
1914-1925
Consolidation occurs
Kullakamby (Nilgiris) Tea Estates Ltd. consolidated multiple holdings before Ceylon Land and Produce Company acquisition.
1925-1975
Fifty years of stability
Ceylon Land and Produce Company maintained operations through post-war and independence transitions.
1977
Inlaks Group takes ownership
Indoo Shivdasani’s acquisition created the Nilgiris’ largest contiguous tea estate.
1977-2024
Sustained growth and adaptation
Craigmore invested in infrastructure, introduced green tea production, and maintained quality standards.
2010s
Global compliance leadership achieved
Craigmore Became one of the world’s most Rainforest Alliance – compliant tea plantations or tea estates.
2024
Sanctuary transformation begins
New ownership initiated systematic efforts for the scientific restoration of biodiversity and ecological balance on Craigmore Group.
Making of a sanctuary
Craigmore has evolved from traditional plantation operations into an integrated tea production and ecological restoration enterprise. Our business model demonstrates that commercial success can fund environmental protection – and vice versa – while maintaining exceptional tea standards.
WHO WE WORK WITH
- Exporters and blenders requiring consistent quality and reliable volumes
- Specialty retailers prioritizing verified ethical sourcing practices
- Partners keen on collaborative storytelling based on documented impact
- Auction brokers seeking dependable, transparent supply relationships
A Symbol of Sanctuary
The Craigmore logo embodies our philosophy “Tea from a protected place.” The monogram C shelters beneath a protective canopy, its handle sprouting into tea shoots—echoing both the forest canopy overhead and our philosophy of care below. This sanctuary symbol reflects how we protect the land, the tea, and the lives intertwined with both.
Every element speaks to guardianship: the umbrella protects, the shoots grow, the R embraces E —Restoration encircling ecology. A circular philosophy made visible.
Ready to source tea with meaning?
Let’s begin a conversation.
