Solaris Botanicals Journey from Irish Startup to International Brand

From its humble beginnings in a Galway attic to becoming an internationally award-winning premium brand, Solaris Botanicals is redefining tea as an experience - focused on wellness, mindfulness, and connection.

Founded by Jörg and Karin Müller, the brand blends herbal expertise with a commitment to sustainability and exceptional quality—proving that an Irish-founded business can achieve global success while remaining true to its core values.

A Story Rooted in Herbal Medicine

Solaris Botanicals began not in a boardroom, but in a classroom.

“We were both studying herbal medicine in the UK,” Jörg explains. “We were immersed in subjects like physiology and pharmacology, working alongside medical professionals. But when it came to herbal teas, there was a gap—products were either healthy but unpleasant, or enjoyable but lacking real function.”

That insight inspired a new thought: Why not combine both?

The founders began developing blends that balanced functional health benefits with refined flavor profiles, inspired by the layered structure of perfumes - base, middle, and top notes.

At the core of this vision was a single non-negotiable principle: offering customers delicious, health-promoting organic herbal teas free of artificial flavorings and other additives.

“We don’t use added flavorings,” Jörg notes. “Nature already offers incredible complexity - if the ingredients are of high quality, that’s all you need.”

From Attic Origins to a Global Brand

After relocating to Galway over 20 years ago, the founders began blending teas by hand in a converted attic space, carefully labelling each product and building the business from scratch. In 2005, their space became too small, so they decided to expand their dream into a global specialty tea brand. This involved moving to a full warehouse with blending rooms.

“It was small-batch, hands-on, and very personal,” Jörg recalls. “But what never changed was our commitment to quality.”

Today, Solaris Botanicals is:

• Organically certified, with rigorous annual audits
• A certified B Corp, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and ethical business
• An international supplier, serving markets across Europe and the Middle East

Despite this growth, the company stays true to its original core values.

“We’ve never cut corners,” Karin explained. “The quality we started with is the same quality we deliver today.”

A Unique Approach to Tea Innovation

What makes Solaris Botanicals stand out in a competitive global market is its blend of expertise and purpose.

Each blend is:

• Crafted using medical herbalist knowledge
• Designed for both flavor and functional benefit
• Made with whole-leaf, organic ingredients, including premium spring harvest teas

Beyond traditional blends, Solaris has developed innovative ranges such as:

• Bloom Tea Collection – supporting women’s health and hormonal balance
• Chakra Tea Range – aligning wellness with energy and mindfulness
• Guided tea rituals and sensory experiences – encouraging moments of pause and reconnection

“Our goal is simple,” the founders explain, “we want people to feel better after drinking our tea—more grounded, more present, more connected.”

Recognition That Drives Purpose

Solaris Botanicals’ commitment to quality has earned recognition.

The company has earned many awards, including:

• Multiple Great Taste Awards
• Best Organic Tea & Wellness Brand at the Global Luxury Awards in Portugal
• Recognition on global platforms such as Forbes events and wellness summits

“For us, awards are a celebration of the journey,” Jörg reflects. “They recognize the passion, the hard work, and—most importantly—the people behind the brand.”

Yet both highlight that the real reward lies in the customer experience.

“What matters most is how people feel after drinking our tea. That moment of calm, clarity, or comfort—that’s what drives us.”

Scaling Globally, Thoughtfully

Solaris Botanicals’ international expansion has been both strategic and values-driven—guided by a commitment to quality, partnership, and long-term growth.

“This Europe-wide external validation gave us a unique opportunity to expand internationally,” the founders explain. “We grew step by step—first locally, then into the UK, and gradually into other markets.”

Today, Solaris Botanicals exports to high-end delis, restaurants, hotels, and spas across the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, and Saudi Arabia, bringing its premium organic blends to discerning consumers worldwide.

A clear strategy has underpinned this growth:

• Building strong, aligned distribution partnerships
• Understanding local cultures and consumer preferences
• Maintaining a premium position within niche markets

“Finding the right partners is essential,” Jörg adds. “We look for people who truly understand the product and are passionate about sharing it.”

With a growing footprint across Europe and the Middle East, Solaris Botanicals continues to expand its global presence - while remaining firmly rooted in the values that have defined the brand from the very beginning.

The Power of Community: WTC Dublin

Joining the World Trade Center Dublin was a logical step for Solaris Botanicals.

“It’s about connection,” Karin says. “Being part of a network that celebrates Irish success while sharing it with the world is incredibly powerful.”

She emphasizes the value of shared learning and teamwork.

“You gain energy from hearing others’ journeys - the successes and the challenges. It reminds you that we’re all working toward something bigger.”

Looking Ahead: Purposeful Growth

As Solaris Botanicals continues to expand, its focus remains clear:

• Strengthening customer experience across B2B and B2C channels
• Enhancing training and education for partners
• Expanding product innovation and experiential offerings
• Deepening its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing

They both unanimously agree that: “We want to grow - but in the right way.” “Always aligned with our values.”

New developments are already underway, including:

• Market-specific innovations (such as a new Swiss mountain tea)
• Expanded digital brand recognition and sensory tea experiences
• New Irish heritage-inspired packaging for loose-leaf teas

Shaping the Future of Tea

Looking ahead, Jörg and Karin see tea playing an increasingly important role in modern life.

“In a fast-paced world, tea offers a moment to pause - to reconnect with yourself.”

Solaris Botanicals seeks to spearhead this change by:

• Promoting mindful consumption
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and protecting biodiversity.
• Raising awareness about true quality versus mass production

“The future of tea is about more than taste,” they conclude.
“It’s about wellbeing, sustainability, and connection - to ourselves, to each other, and to the planet.”

A Brand with Purpose

Solaris Botanicals captures the essence of the WTCA network - where local innovation connects with global opportunities.

From its roots in herbal medicine to its expanding international reach, the company demonstrates how purpose-driven businesses can successfully grow across borders while staying true to their core values. By combining craftsmanship, sustainability, and a deep understanding of global markets, Solaris Botanicals is building more than just a brand - it's forging meaningful connections worldwide.

“We run our business in an ethical manner with respect and love for humanity and nature. These shared values guide all of our everyday operations, from internal management and customer/partner relations to our impact on the environment.”  - The Founders' Philosophy

As international demand for authentic, high-quality products continues to grow, Solaris Botanicals exemplifies how Irish businesses can succeed globally through collaboration, partnership, and vision.

This is more than growth - it is purpose in action, shaping the future of global trade.