Ortea’s story is one of friendship, but it all started with a stroll through the forest. Stephan Kneip (who was studying in Vienna at the time), was walking in the woods one day wondering what to have for dinner. He picked some nettles to make a soup and the end result was delicious. The young man was intrigued by the plant and, being curious at heart, he began experimenting with tea and nettle-based drinks at home. When he finished his studies and returned to Luxembourg, Stephan felt ready to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure. One of his many ideas was to perfect his iced tea recipe and market it. During a tasting session with close friends, his childhood friend Daniel Freichel suggested they join forces and work on the project together. This is where the Ortea story really unfolds.
From the very beginning, it was clear to both founders that Ortea would be a local, natural and organic product. “Our whole approach revolves around using as many ingredients from Luxembourg as possible – from organic farms with eco-friendly packaging.”
The final recipe is the result of long hours of experimenting in their own kitchens! The final combination of herbs in Ortea iced tea remains a secret. “A bit of nettle, some mint too,” they both confide shyly. The herbs are organically grown in Austria. “These are the only non-local ingredients, because unfortunately there are currently no organic producers in Luxembourg,” explains Daniel.
The product is sweetened with Luxembourgish apple juice, and, of course, local honey. “We are lucky to work with Klingelbour farm which produces organic apple juice. They even let us use their machine to bottle our tea,” says Stephan. The Ortea bottles are still filled by the founders themselves with a helping hand from friends. Since its launch, Ortea has found its way onto the shelves of small grocery shops and restaurants, such as Cocottes, as well as supermarkets including Naturata and Cactus. This is just the beginning for the dynamic duo who are already thinking about developing new flavours. “We have a few ideas brewing, but at the moment that’s all we can say!” So, let’s be patient… For now, just knowing that there will be another chapter to Ortea’s beautiful story is enough for us!
More information: www.ortea.lu
Pictures: Ortea