Latest news with #AssamTea
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Assam's Woolah Tea secures patent for India's first bagless tea
Assam's first bagless tea brand, Woolah Tea, has been granted a 20-year patent (No. 567895) for its innovative 'compressed true whole leaf tea dips and method thereof' (patent name). Founded by Upamanyu Borkotoky and Ansuman Bharali from Sibsagar district in Assam, Woolah is a start-up rooted in Assam's tea heritage. Woolah's tea is made from a compressed bundle of eti koli duti paat (one bud and two leaves), bound by a natural string —eliminating the need for conventional tea bags. The founders filed for the patent in 2020. 'Initially, we experimented with fibres like banana and bamboo to replace typical tea bags,' says Upamanyu. 'But the leaves didn't unfurl properly. Our focus was to eliminate microplastics that leach into tea from standard bags.' 'The bagless concept was entirely new — it took us over a year and 167 trials to get it right,' says Upamanyu. 'Initially, we compressed the tea by hand and dried it over a tea dryer. We filed for the patent even before launching the product.' Neither Upamanyu nor co-founder Ansuman had prior experience in the tea industry. A chance encounter with a farmer selling hand-rolled organic tea during a visit home sparked their interest. 'I used to think green tea couldn't taste good, but that changed,' says Upamanyu. They eventually quit their corporate jobs and began working with organic tea farmers in Assam, particularly in Sibsagar, Kaxhopothar and Dibrugarh. Woolah was featured on Shark Tank India Season 4 and was the only tea brand to receive offers from all the sharks. The brand is now preparing to export to the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. Woolah is also representing Assam in celebration of 200 years of Assam Tea at The Summer Fancy Food show at New York.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna to bring Assam tea festival to his New York restaurant 'Bungalow'
New York [US], July 1 (ANI): The 200 Years of Assam Tea celebrations at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York witnessed a special moment with the presence of Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna as the Guest of Honour at a business roundtable hosted by the Consulate General of India, New York. Chef Khanna, an internationally acclaimed culinary ambassador and founder of the iconic New York restaurant 'Bungalow', shared his heartfelt connection with Assam, having travelled to the state 11 times. He spoke of Assam's cultural vibrancy, the distinctiveness of its tea, and the passion of its people, which deeply moved him during each of his visits. In a warm and generous gesture, Chef Khanna proposed to host an Assam Tea Festival at his restaurant 'Bungalow' in New York in the near future, to honour the state's 200-year legacy in the global tea industry. He underscored that Assam's tea, cuisine, textiles, and culture are pillars of India's soft power and deserve sustained international celebration and recognition. The Government of Assam has welcomed this proposal and will actively work to bring the Assam Tea Festival in New York to fruition as part of its larger global outreach strategy for Assam Tea. The gesture is expected to significantly enhance global visibility and consumer engagement with Assam's tea and cultural identity. Adding to the momentum of India's cultural presence in the city, Nita Ambani visited Chef Vikas Khanna's Bungalow restaurant last month ahead of the upcoming NMACC India Weekend scheduled in New York this September, further highlighting the growing global spotlight on Indian heritage and cuisine. Reliance Foundation Founder-Chairperson Nita Ambani and Chef Vikas Khanna have curated a unique culinary experience for the NMACC India Weekend. 'Our Founder Mrs. Nita M Ambani shared a heart-warming evening with Chef Vikas Khanna as they curate a unique culinary experience for the #NMACCIndiaWeekend! Flavors of India, served with love in NYC @LincolnCenter! Sep 12-14, 2025 Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts,' NMACC said in a post on X. The post was accompanied by a new video. In the video, Khanna can also be heard saying, 'It's an honour for an Indian chef to be hosting Mrs. Ambani.' The weekend will commence on September 12, at the David H Koch Theatre, Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, with the highly anticipated US premiere of India's largest theatrical production, 'The Great Indian Musical: Civilisation to Nation'. Blending dance, art, fashion, and music, this production is a spectacular tribute to India's past, present and future that travels the country's history from 5000 BC until its independence in 1947, a release said earlier. Featuring a cast of over 100 performers, opulent costumes and larger-than-life sets, 'The Great Indian Musical' is an unrivalled theatrical experience. The show, India's largest musical, with a line-up of exceptional Indian talent, along with a Tony and Emmy award-winning crew, has been conceived and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, it added. This marquee production will feature the collaboration of great artists like Ajay-Atul (music), Mayuri Upadhya, Vaibhavi Merchant, Samir and Arsh Tanna (choreography). The visual spectacle will also feature costumes designed by leading fashion designer Manish Malhotra. The show will have a limited run of five performances. The opening night on September 12 will commence with an invite-only red carpet - the 'Grand Swagat' (Grand Welcome) - featuring the 'Swadesh Fashion Show Curated by Manish Malhotra', spotlighting India's celebrated traditional weaves and skilled artisans. The evening will have a special presentation of cuisines and flavours from ancient to modern India, presented by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna. The NMACC India Weekend will also take over Damrosch Park from September 12-14, bringing alive enthralling and engaging experiences in the form of a 'Great Indian Bazaar'. Guests will be introduced to the finest Indian fashion and textiles, decadent flavours, as well as dance, yoga and music experiences, the release said. (ANI)
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Want to host Assam tea fest in NY: Chef Vikas
Guwahati: Michelin-starred chef on Tuesday expressed his willingness to host an Assamese tea festival in New York. He made this statement during the celebration of '200 years of Assam Tea' at the Summer Fancy Food show in New York, hosted by the Consulate General of India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Khanna, who was the guest of honour at the event, proposed to host an Assam tea festival at his restaurant to honour the state's 200 years old legacy in the global tea industry. Khanna shared his heartfelt connection with the state, since having visited it 11 times. He spoke of Assam's cultural vibrancy, the distinctiveness of its tea, and the passion of its people, which deeply moved him during each of his visits. The chef also highlighted the state's tea, cuisine, textiles, and culture are pillars of India's soft power and said it deserved sustained international celebration and recognition. Following this, Assam govt welcomed his proposal and has assured of actively working to make this event come to life as part of its strategy to promote Assam tea.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Deccan Herald
India pavilion inaugurated in New York to celebrate 200 Years of Assam Tea
Assam Tea is a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery in 1823 along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the chief secretary was quoted as saying in an official statement.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
200 years of Assam Tea: India Pavilion unveiled at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York
New York [US], June 30 (ANI): The India Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 was inaugurated on Sunday at the Jacob K Javits Center in New York, by Ravi Kota, the Chief Secretary to the government of Assam, and Ambassador Binaya S Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, reads an official press release. The event marked a momentous occasion celebrating 200 years of Assam Tea - a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery in 1823 along the banks of Brahmaputra River. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Assam Chief Secretary highlighted how the idea for the 200 years celebration of Assam Tea was brewed during a conversation between Ambassador Pradhan and the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, earlier this year. '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 remarked. 'For Assam, this Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, here at the Jacob K. Javits Center, serves as both a celebratory and strategic platform. And Assam Tea stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation. I say innovation because India is buzzing with youngsters brimming with energy and ideas, and so is Assam. Four start-ups that we wanted to bring to this event - Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea are only a flavour of tea startups brewing innovation in Assam. They are innovating new blends of exotic tea, and I am confident that these innovations will gain global visibility from this event,' he added. Kota also underscored the vital role of Assam's small tea growers, who contribute 40 per cent of the state's production, and highlighted the transformative impact of bought-leaf factories in the ecosystem. Reflecting on the journey of Assam Tea, the Chief Secretary traced its origins to the discovery of wild tea bushes by early explorers. Today, Assam is globally renowned for its bold, malty brews and deep amber liquor. As a mark of authenticity, Assam Tea anchors breakfast blends, afternoon cups, and premium specialty collections. Kota added that a key enabler of this thriving industry is the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest in India by volume. Trading over 250 million kilograms annually, it provides buyers worldwide with access to a diverse array of Assam teas through a digital, transparent, and highly regulated platform. In 2024-25, more than 100 million kilograms of Assam tea were shipped to over 90 countries, generating nearly $285 million in exports. Major destinations include the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China, underscoring Assam's position as a trusted supplier to both traditional and emerging tea markets. The Government of Assam is committed to deepening India-US relations through strategic initiatives involving AI, blockchain, and specialised summits. It also plans to host the 'Heritage to Wellness' Tea Showcase across the US and sign MoUs with American universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to enhance traceability and promote sustainable partnerships. Leading tea companies from Assam, including Unilever, Tata, Goodricke, and Luxmi, stand united in advancing this shared vision. Kota concluded by extending heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate General of India, the Tea Board of India, ITPO, industry leaders, startups, and US trade partners for their support in making this celebration extraordinary. (ANI)
