The salubrious climate of this state is famous for making some of the finest sprawling tea estates in India. Kelagur Tea Estate has gained fame and popularity in Karnataka for producing organic tea. The old traditional methods used by the estate are becoming the foremost attraction for tea enthusiasts.

History

Four Generations of the Mathias family have been directly involved in the cultivation and processing of coffee and tea. Kelagur Estate was acquired by S L Mathias (1868-1940), himself the son of a coffee planter, in 1927. His son E J Mathias (1913-1992) carried on the family tradition for five decades and developed the estate further, planting coffee, clonal tea and progressively improving the social welfare of the workers.

In 1980, Peter Mathias joined the organization and in 1989 assumed the role of Managing Partner. In the last 25 years, Peter Mathias and his loyal and hard working team have transformed Kelagur Estate into one of India’s premier Tea and Coffee plantations. Currently Kelagur Mathias Coffee and Tea Plantations is spread over a thousand acres and the output is in excess of 7,50,000 Kgs of premium quality finished produce annually. As the major employer of over 500 employees, their credo has always been people first!

The United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) – a 120 year old organization formed by the three Southern states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu elected Peter Mathias as President of UPASI for the year 2013-14.

Coffee Board has been reconstituted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Government of India for the period of 3 years from Jan 2014 to Jan 2017, Peter Mathias has been nominated as Eminent Personality in the field of Research/ Marketing/ Management / Promotion of Coffee.