Troy: the First Nations Entrepreneur enhancing Aussie Tea culture.
Troy Benjamin is doing more than just building a business – he’s reshaping the game and changing how Australia experiences their daily brew. As the founder and CEO of Blak Brews, Troy has become the key driving force in bringing native Aussie ingredients into tea cuppas across the Country: with his First Nations background and values helping to lead the charge.
Blak Brews is unapologetically Australian, with Aussie suppliers and growers throughout the chain working to bring uniquely native flavours to the table. It’s Aussie tea but with a fresh and new perspective, powered by grounded visions of family, culture, and innovation.
A First Nations Tea Brand Built on Culture and Community
Troy’s journey with Blak Brews is deeply tied to his First Nations heritage – providing him with many guiding values that allowed Blak Brews to thrive into the company we see today. In developing Blak Brews, he often remarks about how untapped the market for beautiful native ingredients in tea was. “Tea is not niche. But when I felt a niche angle within this ‘not niche’ beverages category, it was one of those moments where I thought—I can’t believe no one has done this properly.” Aussies are surrounded by teas, most of which are imported. Such a crucial part of many’s daily routines was given so much potential by the untapped variety of Australia’s native ingredients. Troy saw an opportunity to create something both deeply authentic and yet transformative.
The foundation of Blak Brews is rooted in First Nations culture and values but designed to intrinsically unite and connect with everyday Australians. This strong cultural grounding is what truly sets Blak Brews apart both as a company and a product. As Troy puts it, “The culture and messaging has me and my family in front of it – but the product is the true origin. It’s transparent, and undiluted. It becomes easier when we are leading with such a powerful, simple product.”
Blak Brews weaves culture and storytelling into each cuppa, pushing for the concepts of pride and resilience in regards to Indigenous histories. “Putting First Nations and Blakfulla history into a positive light with this product… having a ‘fun’ starting point like tea is a really great diving board into inviting these positive conversations,” Troy explains. Blak Brews creates uniquely Aussie tea blends that spark dialogues, recognition, and form cultural bridges. We all live on this beautiful landscape, and we should all enjoy it’s gifts.
Troy Benjamin on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars
Over 1.7 million Aussies tuned in to Food Stars, and it’s where many of us learnt about Blak Brews. Going up against an exciting lineup of other bold and ambitious food and drink businesses, Blak Brews’ rich cultural background alongside Troy’s driving passion and ambition to innovate ultimately left Gordon Ramsay impressed.
The distinctive combination of Blak Brews’ flavours, originality, cultural grounding, and passion captured the attention and praise of Ramsay – not an easy feat! Winning Food Stars under his guidance was not only a big moment for the company, but it was validation of Troy’s vision: showing that a proudly First Nations, Aussie-owned business could take the spotlight nationally and thrive throughout.
Troy Benjamin and his Vision for the Future of Blak Brews
Blak Brews as a concept is more than just tea: it’s about building a legacy. It’s about reshaping how Australians see tea, culture, and our shared history as a whole. “I wanna become the most drinkable tea on the planet. I wanna be the tea of Australia.”
For Troy, Blak Brews is more than a (delicious) product. It’s a symbol of pride, identity, and connections. This ambition is wholly backed by a long-term vision inspired by those of the Dilmah family and their honoured heritage. He hopes Blak Brews will leave a legacy that continues to celebrate First Nations culture and stands tall on the world stage.
The balance of history and innovation combined with the unique biodiversity and cultural bridges of Australia make Blak Brews special. “Blak Brews is working with a product that’s been around for 60,000 years. It’s not too new and crazy, just grounded, elevated, and special.” Troy wants to see Blak Brews in Cuppas worldwide, but particularly in the hands of Aussies who want to support homegrown cultures, businesses, and celebrate Australia.
“The next Aussie icon comes in blak.”
Ready to Indulge with Red Centre?
Blak Brews provides a selection of specially blended and crafted teas to bring out the best in you via the best of Australia.
