by Gail Gastelu, Owner/Publisher, The Tea House Times
In a landmark moment celebrating India's rich tea legacy, the Indian Tea Association (ITA), on invitation from the Government of Assam participated in the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, held at the Javits Centre, New York. This special participation commemorated 200 years of the Assam Tea Industry, an industry that has not only shaped global tea culture but also remains an enduring symbol of India’s agricultural and export heritage.
Assam Tea: A Legacy of 200 Years
The roots of Assam Tea trace back to 1823, when Major Robert Bruce, guided by indigenous knowledge from Maniram Dewan, discovered wild tea plants growing in the upper Brahmaputra Valley. From this historic moment, Assam blossomed into one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world, known for its robust flavour, rich colour, and unmatched quality.
Assam today produces between 650-700 million kgs of tea annually which is more than 50% of India’s annual Tea Production. The industry employs over 7,00,000 workers making it a vital lifeline for livelihoods, rural economies, and India’s global trade footprint.
Tea Lounge: A Gateway to Flavour and Heritage
As part of the commemoration of 200 years of Assam Tea Industry, a specially curated Tea Lounge was installed at the show, inviting global buyers, importers, and tea connoisseurs to experience Assam's finest teas. Among the exhibitors in the lounge were:
The lounge featured live tea brewing and doubled as a storytelling hub—tracing the remarkable journey of Assam Tea from the mist-covered estates of the Brahmaputra Valley to teacups across the globe.
The immersive display highlighted not only the sensory appeal of Assam tea but also its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community livelihoods. Visitors had the opportunity to sample premium teas, interact with producers, and learn about the intricate craftsmanship that goes into every batch.
Strengthening Trade Partnerships: B2B Session in New York
A key highlight of the event was a dedicated B2B networking session held on 30th June 2025 at the Consulate General of India, New York, which brought together leading Assam tea exporters and international buyers from across North America and beyond. The session was anchored by Mr. Gaurav Ghosh, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of J. Thomas & Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Participating Member Companies (Producer-Exporters):
These leading companies, each representing generations of tea-growing heritage, showcased a wide range of orthodox and CTC teas sourced from their prestigious estates in Assam. Their presence highlighted the industry’s focus on excellence, traceability, ethical sourcing, and adaptation to international market demands.
Tea Trade: USA
Historical Background: The Indian Tea Association (ITA) promoted Indian tea in the US in the late 19th century, starting with the 1893 Chicago Exhibition. ITA's efforts led to a stunning pavilion showcasing Indian craftsmanship and tea varieties. A partnership with Reid, Murdoch & Company marked the beginning of Indian tea's market expansion in the US.
In 2024 India exported around 17 Mkgs of tea to USA that account for around 6.5% of Total Export Volume of India and almost 14% of the total tea imports of USA. ITA aims to re-ignite the spark of tea trade relations with the US, tracing its roots back to 1893, and take it to new heights.
Acknowledgements
The Indian Tea Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr Ravi Kota , Chief Secretary Government of Assam for leading this initiative to implement the vision of the Honourable Chief minister Govt of Assam to strengthen the brand equity of assam Tea in the global stage. Our thanks to His Excellency Ambassador Binay S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, for his gracious presence and continued support in organizing this event.
Looking Ahead: This landmark presence at the Summer Fancy Food Show not only celebrated the remarkable 200-year journey of Assam tea but also underscores a shared commitment by the Indian Tea Association and the Government of Assam to promote Brand Assam on the world stage, deepen trade linkages, and usher in a new era of global partnerships.
Issued by:
Arijit Raha
Secretary General
Indian Tea Association (ITA)
Date: _30th June 2025. New York.
Website: www.indiatea.org
BRIEF PROFILE: ITA
The Indian Tea Association (ITA), founded in 1881, is India's premier and oldest tea producers' association. With a rich history, ITA has become a forward-thinking organization that advises and supervises the tea industry, promotes tea consumption globally, bridges industry segments, and assists in policy formulation. ITA represents over 200 member companies, covering more than 400 tea estates across major tea-producing regions. ITA is headquartered in Kolkata, with Branch and Zone offices in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, and Silchar (Assam) and Dooars-Terai-Darjeeling (West Bengal). As the Secretariat of the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations, the umbrella body that combines all Producer Associations of the registered Tea Estates of India, ITA plays a pivotal role in shaping the tea industry's future.
