Assam Tea’s 200-Year Legacy Celebrated at Summer Fancy Food Show in New York

The India Pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 was inaugurated on Sunday at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, marking a significant international tribute to 200 years of Assam Tea.

The pavilion was jointly inaugurated by Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, and Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.

According to an official release, the event celebrated the bicentennial journey of Assam Tea, first discovered in 1823 along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, and showcased its evolution into a globally cherished product with deep cultural and economic roots.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ravi Kota shared that the idea for the celebration emerged from a conversation between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ambassador Pradhan earlier this year. “This pavilion is not just a tribute to Assam Tea’s legacy, but a strategic step towards global visibility. Assam Tea today represents both tradition and innovation,” he said.

Kota introduced four Assam-based tea startups — Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea — that are bringing unique blends and sustainable approaches to the global market. “These startups are just a glimpse of the innovation brewing in Assam’s tea sector,” he added.
He also underscored the important role of small tea growers, who contribute nearly 40 percent of Assam’s total tea production, and acknowledged the supportive infrastructure of bought-leaf factories in the region.

Reflecting on the history of Assam Tea, Kota spoke about its origins in wild tea bushes and its rise to global recognition for strong, malty flavors and deep amber brews. He also emphasized the significance of the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre — the largest in India by volume — which trades over 250 million kilograms annually through a digital and transparent platform.

In 2024–25, Assam exported more than 100 million kilograms of tea to over 90 countries, generating close to $285 million in revenue. Major export destinations include the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China.

The Assam government is using this milestone as an opportunity to deepen India–US relations through upcoming partnerships in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and academic collaborations. Planned initiatives include the ‘Heritage to Wellness’ Tea Showcase across the United States and signing of memorandums of understanding with American universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to promote traceability and sustainability.

Leading tea companies from Assam such as Unilever, Tata, Goodricke, and Luxmi are backing this vision to expand the global reach of Assam Tea while embracing responsible growth.

Kota concluded by expressing gratitude to the Consulate General of India in New York, the Tea Board of India, ITPO, and all industry partners and stakeholders for supporting this landmark celebration of Assam’s enduring tea legacy.

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