The Kanan Devan Tea story begins in the late 19th century when the first European settlers came to the Kanan Devan Hills in the state of Travancore. Braving a inhospitable terrain the early planters started cultivating Tea bushes in the fertile forest land of the Western Ghats. The tea they produced was exported to Europe and other countries throughout the world.

By 1896 a society was formed among the 26 small holdings called the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company. While a major portion of the produce was exported, in 1916 the surplus Tea from the Kanan Devan hills started being distributed in South and Central India through the Local Tea Sales Department. A network of dealers was set up to distribute the tea, a major portion of this network is still intact in Kerala and other states.

The Finlay & Muir Company held control over most of estates till 1964 when James Finlay entered into collaboration with the Tatas for setting up an instant tea Factory in the Kanan Devan hills. In 1976 The Tatas took over the tea production and marketing operations of James Finlay and a new company Tata Finlay Ltd. was born. Today 23 estates form the home of Kanan Devan Tea - a heritage brand of Tata Tea.

Specifically sourced from the Kanan Devan Hills, Kanan Devan tea is characterized by its unique taste preferred throughout South India. It is also perhaps India's only single source Tea much akin to a fine single malt - The Kanan Devan USP. Today the brand is a leader in its own right throughout South India selling about 7 million Kgs of Tea.

Kanan Devan's Market Share in the south zone is 9.8% ( source ORG MARG Retail Audit May 2001) and the brand sells in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa.