GUWAHATI: 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.
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.
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 Goodricke Group Ltd., Luxmi Tea Co Pvt Ltd., Hindustan Unilever Limited, Tata Consumer Products, MK Shah Exports Ltd., Rossell Tea (Division of Rossell India Ltd).
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.
A key highlight of the event was a dedicated B2B networking session held on June 30 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 Gaurav Ghosh, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of J. Thomas & Co. Pvt. Ltd, stated a press release.
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