On invitation from the Government of Assam, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) took part in the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, which was hosted at the Javits Centre in New York, marking a significant occasion honouring India’s rich tea heritage. This unique event honoured the 200th anniversary of the Assam Tea Industry, which has influenced tea culture worldwide and continues to be a timeless representation of India’s agricultural and exporting legacy. With the help of Maniram Dewan’s indigenous expertise, Major Robert Bruce found wild tea plants growing in the upper Brahmaputra Valley in 1823, marking the beginning of Assam tea. Since then, Assam has grown into one of the world’s major tea-producing regions, renowned for its unrivalled quality, rich colour, and robust flavour.
With more than 7,000 employees, the sector is essential to rural economies, livelihoods, and India’s international trade. A specially designed tea lounge was set up at the show to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Assam tea industry. It invited international buyers, importers, and tea enthusiasts to sample Assam’s best teas. The Assam Tea Lounge, featuring exhibitors from Goodricke Group, Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd., Hindustan Unilever, Tata Consumer Products, MK Shah Exports Ltd., and Rossell Tea, showcased the tea’s journey from Brahmaputra Valley estates to global teacups. Visitors could taste premium teas, interact with producers, and learn about craftsmanship. A B2B networking session was held at the Consulate General of India, New York.
