A pavilion showcasing the legacy and innovation of Assam Tea was inaugurated at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York, as part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the iconic brew.
The India pavilion, inaugurated by Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Sunday, aimed to highlight the historical significance and evolving global presence of Assam Tea, first discovered in 1823 along the Brahmaputra.
“Assam Tea is a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery,” Kota remarked at the event. “As we celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea, we do so not only with pride in our legacy but with a clear vision for the future.”
Kota cited the importance of the tea industry to the state’s socio-economic fabric, pointing to small tea growers who contribute 40 per cent of Assam’s tea production and the pivotal role of bought-leaf factories. He also highlighted the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest by volume in India, trading over 250 million kg annually through a transparent and digital platform.
Also read: Assam Budget: AI-powered auctions to transform tea industry
In 2024–25, Assam exported more than 100 million kg of tea to over 90 countries, generating nearly $285 million. Major buyers included the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China.
The India pavilion served not only as a showcase of tradition but also of innovation. Four tea start-ups from Assam, Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea, were spotlighted at the show.
“They are innovating new blends of exotic tea, and I am confident that these innovations will gain global visibility from this event,” Kota said.
Looking ahead, the Chief Secretary revealed that the Assam government plans to bolster India-US ties through collaborative efforts involving AI, blockchain, and themed summits. He added that the state intends to host a ‘Heritage to Wellness’ Tea Showcase across the United States and will soon sign MoUs with American universities, retail groups, and innovation platforms.
“The aim is to enhance traceability and promote sustainable partnerships,” he said.
The event was also attended by the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya S Pradhan.
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