The Ministry of Commerce & Industry celebrated International Tea Day with a grand convention at Vanijya Bhawan, highlighting India’s rich tea heritage and charting a path for the industry’s future. The event brought together a diverse mix of participants — from senior government officials and industry stakeholders to producers, exporters, startups, and tea enthusiasts from across the country. The convention served as a unifying platform to honour India’s tea legacy while embracing innovation, education, and global outreach. With renewed focus and collective ambition, the Indian tea industry is set to strengthen its footprint both nationally and globally.
Key Highlights of the Event
Inaugural Session and Keynote Address
The convention was inaugurated in the presence of Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he emphasized tea’s pivotal role in India’s socio-economic fabric and called upon the industry to embrace innovation in branding and marketing.
“Indian tea must reclaim its global leadership by tapping into niche and youth markets through creative and high-quality offerings,” he said, encouraging the industry to reinvent itself and ensure the welfare of all stakeholders—from growers to consumers.
Special Address by the Commerce Secretary
Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, delivered a special address, drawing from his experiences visiting tea-producing regions like Assam, Darjeeling, Kangra, Uttarakhand, and others. He stressed the importance of ‘tea literacy’, encouraging educational campaigns and promotions that help the public appreciate the diverse and nuanced offerings of Indian tea.
Panel Discussions: Charting the Future
The convention featured a series of insightful panel discussions, focusing on key issues and opportunities in the tea industry:
Organic Teas: The Sustainable Way Ahead
Global Consumption Patterns – New Age Teas and Youth Connect
India Teas – Looking Ahead
Industry experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders debated on emerging trends, sustainability practices, youth-focused innovations, and strategies for enhancing India’s presence in the global tea market. The overall tone of the discussions was optimistic, with several panellists projecting an upward trajectory for Indian teas in international trade.
Exclusive Tea Tasting and Appreciation Zone
An Indian Tea Appreciation Zone was set up alongside the main convention, drawing considerable attention. This special exhibition showcased the diversity and excellence of Indian teas and included:
Single-origin teas from regions like Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, and Sikkim
Flavoured teas, masala chai, and innovative blends
Participation by Small Tea Growers (STGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), startups, and exporters
Live tea sampling sessions that allowed visitors, including senior government officials, to savour different flavours and learn about the craft of tea making
This interactive experience helped promote a deeper appreciation for Indian tea, fostering direct engagement between producers and consumers.