Celebrating 200 Years of Assam Tea at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025

At the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York, Assam's Chief Secretary Ravi Kota inaugurated an India pavilion to celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea. He emphasized the state's commitment to enhancing India-US relations through innovative initiatives and highlighted the role of local start-ups in the tea industry. The pavilion aims to showcase Assam Tea as a bridge between tradition and modernity, while also promoting sustainable partnerships and traceability in tea production. With significant export figures and a strong global presence, Assam Tea continues to symbolize strength and heritage in the tea market.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2025, 12:40 IST

Inauguration of India Pavilion

Guwahati, June 30: Ravi Kota, the Chief Secretary of Assam, officially opened an India pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York, marking the bicentennial celebration of Assam Tea on Sunday.

During the inauguration, Kota expressed, "As we commemorate 200 years of Assam Tea, we do so with immense pride in our heritage and a forward-looking vision for the future."

He emphasized the Assam government's dedication to enhancing India-US relations through strategic initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and high-level summits.

Kota also mentioned plans for a “Heritage to Wellness” Tea Showcase throughout the United States.

“We aim to establish MoUs with American universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to improve traceability and foster sustainable partnerships,” he stated.

The pavilion is intended to serve as both a celebratory and strategic venue, with Assam Tea acting as a link between tradition and modernity, according to Kota.

He highlighted four innovative start-ups from Assam—Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea—indicating their role in brewing innovation in the region and the desire to showcase these brands at the event.

"These companies are creating unique blends of exotic tea, and I am optimistic that their innovations will receive global recognition from this event," the Chief Secretary remarked.

Kota also acknowledged the significant contribution of small tea growers in the state, who account for 40% of Assam's tea production, and noted the transformative effect of bought-leaf factories on the local ecosystem.

He pointed out that the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest in India by volume, is a crucial enabler for this thriving industry.

With an annual trading volume exceeding 250 million kg, it offers buyers worldwide access to a wide variety of Assam teas through a digital, transparent, and well-regulated platform.

In the 2024-25 period, over 100 million kg of Assam tea were exported to more than 90 countries, generating nearly USD 285 million in revenue.

Key markets include the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China, highlighting Assam's reputation as a reliable supplier to both established and emerging tea markets.

Assam Tea has become a global emblem of strength, flavor, and heritage, influencing livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its inception in 1823 along the Brahmaputra River, as stated by the Chief Secretary.

The Consul General of India in New York, Binaya S Pradhan, was also in attendance at the event.