Meet David Rio Chai & Tea, Eurest’s 2024 Business Partner Accelerator

One chai at a time, a reminder that a single action can compound into a big impact. In the case of David Rio Chai & Tea, Eurest’s 2024 Business Partner Accelerator, that big impact is literal—elephant-sized, in fact. Each purchase of David Rio’s Chai & Tea supports animal welfare and conservation.

Eurest launched its Business Partner Accelerator program in 2023, designed to work alongside a small, minority and women-owned business enterprise for a year to aid in its growth and scalability.

Eurest first collaborated with woman-owned Miffy’s Foods, facilitating the baking mix brand to expand into nationwide distribution. In 2024, Eurest proudly named David Rio Chai & Tea its featured business partner accelerator to foster further growth and distribution.

Taking inspiration from India’s “chai wallahs,” or tea makers, who have brewed chai from black tea and authentic spices for centuries, David Rio blends Eastern traditions with Western innovations to create a premium chai. The distinctive chai flavors fully bloom in each cup when mixed with your choice of hot water or milk.

“David Rio is committed to crafting a high-quality product that meets all the flavor profiles of chai,” said Eurest Vice President of Marketing Innovation and Strategy Jessica Zucker. “They really take the time, effort and [prioritize] research and development to deliver an outstanding product.”

David Rio sources quality ingredients based on seasonality to ensure freshness and robust flavor. All spices used are USDA Certified Organic and is among the contributions David Rio makes to contribute to a healthy product and environment for people, plants and animals.

David Rio’s first chai, Elephant Vanilla Chai, was created to combat the risk of extinction facing African elephants. The company donates annually to the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s elephant and tiger programs.  In 2021, they established the David Rio Foundation to expand their global impact on animal welfare. They now have a range of Endangered Species chais to heighten awareness and action for at-risk animal populations, including Black Rhino Cocoa Chai, Tortoise Green Tea Chai and White Shark Chai.

“In everything we do, from supply chain to sourcing, we try to be intentional with partners that share our same values,” said David Rio Executive Vice President Mboone Umbima. “Eurest believes in us and our product and that is allowing us to scale.”

David Rio chais are not only enhancing Eurest’s coffee bar beverage lineup but are also being creatively incorporated into baked goods like cookies, muffins and pancakes.

With Eurest’s support, David Rio Chai & Tea is poised to make a lasting difference—one chai at a time.