A Two Century Brew – Assam Tea Marks 200 Years With Showcase In New York

Photos: Wikipedia

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – In the expansive halls of New York’s Javits Center, the scent of heritage steeped through the air as India celebrated 200 years of Assam Tea at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025. The milestone was marked at the India Pavilion, inaugurated by Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, and Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.

The story of Assam Tea began in 1823 along the banks of the Brahmaputra River. From colonial plantations to kitchen cupboards around the world, it has grown into a global emblem of flavor, resilience, and identity. Assam Tea today is not just a beverage — it sustains livelihoods, fuels economies, and carries with it two centuries of craftsmanship.

“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 said at the event. That vision was visible in the presence of four homegrown startups—Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea—making their international debut. These companies are part of a new wave that blends innovation with tradition, offering sun-dried teas, clean-label blends, and sustainable packaging aimed at modern global markets.

Behind every cup of Assam Tea lies a decentralized, people-powered industry. Nearly 40 percent of Assam’s tea comes from small tea growers, whose produce is processed through a network of bought-leaf factories. This grassroots strength feeds into the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, India’s largest tea trading hub by volume.

In 2024–25, Assam exported over 100 million kilograms of tea to more than 90 countries, generating nearly $285 million in revenue. Traditional buyers like the United Kingdom and Russia remain key markets, while newer destinations such as the UAE, Iraq, and China point to the expanding footprint of Assam Tea. Its full-bodied flavor and consistent quality continue to set it apart in an increasingly crowded global tea market.

Assam now plans to highlight its tea not just as a cultural product but a wellness beverage. At the same time, discussions are underway with American universities, retailers, and tech platforms for partnerships focused on traceability, blockchain integration, and sustainability research.