Originally a major managing agency founded in 1895 by Walter Duncan, Octavius Steel & Co. Ltd. has evolved from a colonial-era conglomerate into a specialized force in the tea industry, now primarily operating through The Grob Tea Company Ltd. Following the transition of its tea interests to the Rawalwasia Group in 2009, the brand has focused on premiumizing its century-old legacy. As of the financial year ending March 2025, Grob Tea reported a robust revenue of approximately ₹118.51 crore, reflecting its strong footing in the Assam tea belt.

The company manages a portfolio of six prestigious estates across Assam, covering a grant area of roughly 4,236 hectares. These include the Doyang, Dessoie, Kanu, and Teen Ali estates in the prime North Bank/Upper Assam region, alongside the Pathemara and Martycherra estates (the latter acquired from Parry Agro in 2015) in the Cachar district. With a combined annual production capacity of approximately 4.6 million kilograms, the group is a significant volume player in the premium CTC and Orthodox categories. In 2024-25, the company achieved an average price realization for its Assam CTC of ₹287.90 per kg, a sharp 18% increase over the previous year, underscoring its shift toward high-quality manufacturing.

Modern operations under the Grob Tea banner have seen heavy investment in sustainability and cost-efficiency. In late 2024, the company completed a strategic conversion from gas-based to coal firing in several factories to mitigate rising energy costs. Furthermore, the brand has diversified under the “Octavius” retail label to include an “Internet-first” direct-to-consumer brand and tea tourism through luxury resorts at the Sylee and Nya Sylee estates. This multi-pronged approach—combining traditional plantation management with high-margin retail and hospitality—ensures that the legacy of Octavius Steel remains resilient in the face of modern climate and market challenges.