200 Years of Assam Tea: India Showcases Its Legacy in New York
India is proudly celebrating 200 years of the globally renowned Assam Tea at the Summer Fancy Food Show being held from June 29 to July 1, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
The Indian Pavilion, set up by the Tea Board of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the centerpiece of this year’s exhibition, drawing attention from global buyers, food connoisseurs, and cultural enthusiasts.
A Heritage Brew That Shaped the World
- Assam Tea, native to the Brahmaputra Valley, was first cultivated commercially in the 1820s during British rule.
- Its unique bold flavor, rich color, and briskness made it a staple in global tea markets and a pillar of India’s colonial economy.
- Today, India is the second-largest producer and consumer of tea in the world, and Assam accounts for over 50% of national tea output.
- The 200-year celebration is not just a commemoration of a crop, but of a legacy that encompasses culture, economy, labor history, and environmental richness.
What’s Happening at the Pavilion
The Indian Pavilion is themed “Assam Tea: A Journey Through Time”, and it features:
- Live Tea Brewing Demonstrations – Showcasing traditional Assamese tea preparation techniques including black tea, green tea, and CTC varieties.
- Tasting Counters – Offering samples of rare, organic, and artisanal teas from Assam's top estates.
- Cultural Performances – Daily Bihu dance and folk music performances reflect Assam’s rich cultural identity.
- Craft & Handloom Displays – Featuring Assamese silk, bamboo art, and terracotta.
- Panels & Seminars – Sessions on sustainable farming, global trade, and the impact of climate change on tea production.
Global Strategy Behind the Showcase
India’s participation is part of a broader strategy to revive global interest in Indian tea exports, especially amid rising competition from China, Sri Lanka, and African producers. The Tea Board is working with Indian embassies worldwide to promote GI-tagged Assam tea and ensure authentic branding and traceability.
“We want the world to know that Assam Tea is not just a product—it is a story, a history, and a symbol of Indian resilience and craftsmanship,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Commerce.
Voices from the Event
Buyers Speak: “I’ve never tasted tea with such depth and earthiness. Assam tea has a distinctive punch,” said Marco Luzzatti, a gourmet tea distributor from Italy.
Diaspora Proud: Indian-origin attendees expressed pride seeing their heritage celebrated on an international platform.
Youth Engagement: Tea-themed games and quizzes attracted many young Americans, helping spread awareness of the rich Indian tea tradition.
Why It Matters Economically
- Exports: India exported ~190 million kg of tea in 2024; the aim is to increase this by 20% in 2025.
- Employment: Over 1 million workers, especially women, are employed in Assam’s tea sector.
- Sustainability Push: Emphasis is being placed on organic and pesticide-free cultivation.
India’s Tea Diplomacy
- Assam Tea is being leveraged as part of India’s “soft power diplomacy”—connecting trade, culture, and foreign relations.
- This aligns with initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) and Vocal for Local, Global Outreach.
- The event also follows PM Modi’s earlier calls to brand Indian heritage goods globally, ensuring they reflect quality, sustainability, and tradition.
A Sip of Legacy and Opportunity
- This bicentennial celebration of Assam Tea is more than a showcase—it's a strategic statement.
- It blends culture with commerce, heritage with innovation, and local identity with global opportunity.
- As India asserts itself in global supply chains and cultural narratives, Assam Tea stands as a proud, fragrant symbol of its journey.
