The rich legacy of Assam Tea reached the global stage as New York’s Jacob K. Javits Center hosted a grand celebration marking 200 years of Assam Tea. This momentous occasion was part of the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, where the India Pavilion was officially inaugurated. It wasn’t just about displaying tea—it was about celebrating Assam’s history, innovation, and future on the world map.
The pavilion was jointly opened by Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya S. Pradhan. Both leaders praised Assam Tea’s journey, which began in 1823 along the Brahmaputra River, and highlighted how it has grown into a globally loved product known for its strong flavour and rich aroma.
Ravi Kota shared that the inspiration behind this global celebration came from a conversation between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ambassador Pradhan. It was their shared vision to promote Assam Tea worldwide while honouring its deep-rooted tradition.
He introduced four Assam-based startups — Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea — that are not just selling tea, but are bringing fresh ideas and eco-friendly practices to the global tea industry. These startups represent a modern and youthful face of Assam Tea, blending sustainability with taste.
Kota also talked about the major role of small tea growers in Assam, who contribute around 40% of the state’s tea output. Their efforts, supported by local leaf factories, are the real strength behind Assam’s tea success story. He also highlighted the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, India’s largest by volume, which handles over 250 million kg of tea every year through a digital, transparent platform.
Assam has been exporting more than 100 million kg of tea annually to over 90 countries, earning nearly $285 million. From the UK and Russia to the UAE and Germany, Assam Tea continues to win hearts across the globe.
This international platform was also used to promote deeper ties between India and the US. The Assam government is planning collaborations in fields like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and education. There will also be a ‘Heritage to Wellness’ Tea Showcase across the US and new agreements with American universities and retailers to focus on traceability and sustainability in tea trade.
Big names like Unilever, Tata, Goodricke, and Luxmi Tea are standing strongly behind this global push. They’re not only boosting Assam’s tea brand but are doing it with a sense of responsibility towards sustainable growth.
Ravi Kota concluded the event by thanking the Consulate General of India in New York, the Tea Board of India, ITPO, and all industry supporters for making this 200-year tribute a grand success. Through tradition, technology, and teamwork, Assam Tea is proving it’s more than just a beverage — it’s a story worth sharing with the world.
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