Tea Convention Marks International Tea Day in Delhi

To mark International Tea Day on 21st May 2025, a grand convention was held at , Ministry of Commerce & Industry, New Delhi, celebrating the rich legacy and bright future of the Indian Tea Industry. The event included panel discussions, keynote speeches, and a special Indian Tea Appreciation Zone, creating a dynamic space for knowledge exchange and cultural celebration of India’s beloved beverage—tea.

A Tribute to India’s Tea Legacy

Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India, graced the convention as the Chief Guest. During his impactful keynote address, he emphasized the vital role of in India’s socio-economic landscape and urged stakeholders to embrace innovative branding and marketing approaches. He highlighted the global potential of Indian teas and encouraged the industry to develop new blends targeting youth and niche markets. Shri Prasada also stressed the importance of supporting every stakeholder in the tea value chain—from growers to consumers—with enhanced facilities and opportunities.

Promoting Tea Literacy and Cultural Appreciation

In his Special Address, Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, shared engaging stories from his visits to India’s famous tea-growing regions like Assam, Darjeeling, Kangra, and Nilgiris. He highlighted the importance of enhancing “tea literacy” nationwide through continuous promotion and awareness efforts, enabling consumers to better understand and value the rich variety and heritage of Indian teas.

A professional tea tasting session was one of the highlights of the event. A renowned tea taster conducted a live demonstration, educating the audience—including senior government officials—on the finer aspects of tea tasting. The hands-on session invited active participation from dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Minister of State and the Commerce Secretary, who were encouraged to try their skills at this delicate art.

Dynamic Panel Discussions: Charting the Future of Indian Tea

Following the tea tasting session, the convention featured engaging panel discussions on forward-looking themes such as:

• “Organic Teas: The Sustainable Way Ahead”
• “Global Consumption Patterns – New Age Teas and Youth Connect”
• “India Teas – Looking Ahead”

These sessions brought together industry experts, entrepreneurs, exporters, growers, and policymakers who shared insights, challenges, and strategies to uplift the Indian Tea Industry on the global stage. Discussions centered around sustainability, market innovation, youth engagement, and expanding India’s tea export footprint through robust branding and quality control.

India Tea Appreciation Zone: A Flavorful Experience

On the sidelines of the event, the India Tea Appreciation Zone provided a lively exhibition space where tea stakeholders—from large producers to startups and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)—showcased a wide variety of Indian teas. Visitors could sample:

• Single-origin teas from Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, and Sikkim
• Flavored and herbal blends
• Masala chai variants
• Innovative tea infusions aimed at younger consumers and global markets

The zone attracted a large number of visitors throughout the day, offering them a multi-sensory journey through India’s incredible tea diversity. It served as a powerful testament to the enduring popularity and global appeal of Indian tea.

Conclusion: Brewing a Stronger Future for Indian Tea

The International Tea Day 2025 celebrations at Vanijya Bhawan proved to be a remarkable success, highlighting the Indian Tea Industry’s strength, diversity, and promising future. Backed by government support, creative branding, and a renewed emphasis on quality and consumer connection, Indian tea is set to reclaim its place as a global leader. The event honored tradition while paving the way for a sustainable and flavorful tomorrow.