03-07-2025
Assam tea's 200-year legacy gets global tribute at NY Summer Fancy Food Show
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Dibrugarh: In a landmark celebration of India's rich legacy of tea, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) has participated in the Summer Fancy Food Show, 2025, at the Javits Centre, New York, marking the bicentennial anniversary of Assam tea — an industry that has fundamentally shaped the global tea culture and remains a cornerstone of India's agricultural heritage.
The three-day event started from June 29 and concluded on July 1.
ITA's special participation commemorated two centuries of Assam tea, since its discovery in 1823, when Major Robert Bruce, guided by the indigenous knowledge of Maniram Dewan, first discovered wild tea plants growing in the upper Brahmaputra valley.
Today, Assam annually produces 650-700 million kgs of tea, representing more than 50% of India's total tea production, employing over 700,000 workers across various categories.
The centrepiece of the commemoration was a specially curated tea lounge, designed to give global buyers, importers and tea connoisseurs the finest experience of Assam tea. The lounge featured prominent exhibitors, including Goodricke Group Ltd, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Tata Consumer Products, Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt Ltd, MK Shah Exports Ltd and Rossell Tea.
Visitors at the show not only experienced the sensory appeal of premium teas, but also learned about the industry's commitment to sustainability, innovation and community development.
A significant highlight was the B2B networking session held on June 30 at the Consulate General of India, New York.
The participating companies showcased a comprehensive range of orthodox and CTC teas sourced from their Assam estates.
In 2024, India approximately exported 17 million kg of tea to the US, accounting for around 6.5% of India's total export volume and nearly 14% of US's total tea imports.
