In 2024, Darjeeling saw one of its most challenging years, reflected in the low production of 6 million kilos, the lowest in several years. The year has opened to a few challenges already. Media reports say that the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, announced last week that the ceiling of land for non-tea use on tea gardens would be raised from 15% to 30%. Many gardens are using this option to explore hospitality as a revenue source. However, the news has not gone down well with the majority of the Gorkha population. Led by Ajoy Edwards, the newly minted political party, Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front staged a protest last week. Their issues relate to implementing minimum wages, an assurance of 20% as the annual bonus, and land rights. This is worrying as the tea board had announced 27th February as the date of plucking in the hills, following the winter closure of gardens. And protests could hinder the region’s most crucial harvest season. Of the 87 tea estates within the ambit of Darjeeling tea (protected by the GI), The Telegraph has reported that 12 have closed.
Growers Want 100% Tea in Auctions
Various members of the Indian tea industry associations, including the Indian Tea Association (ITA), Tea Association of India (TAI), and Confederation of Small Tea Growers Associations (CISTA), met in Kolkata last week to discuss current challenges. The small tea growers’ complained that the current price-sharing formula does not compensate for the cost of production. The associations also spoke about the current lack of bargaining power with producers. Consequently, the key takeaways were that one, a minimum sustainable price of made tea, indexed to the cost of production and quality, is to be introduced, and 100% of made teas should be sold via auctions – currently, 50% is mandated to be sold via auctions. Interestingly, Kenya introduced a minimum price for tea for its large and small tea grower segments in 2021. This was withdrawn in 2024 because of the 100mn kilos of unsold tea, as buyers refused to pay for poor quality tea at the minimum set prices. Mombasa auctions tea from a dozen competing African countries, giving buyers a choice of buying premium-grade tea at prices near or slightly above the minimum or purchasing lower-grade tea at much lower prices than the minimum.
Two Tea Brands Raise Funding
Two tea companies have had a successful fundraising round this fortnight. Upamanyu Borkakoty of Assam’s Woolah Tea pitched to the jury on Shark Tank India 4. He presented his patented green tea balls, which avoid the use of plastic or paper for single-serve tea. He has come away with an investment of Rs 50 million or USD 57,000 from Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAT speakers and sound systems. Upamanyu follows other tea brands like Tea Fit and Dorje Teas that have appeared on the show.
In the south, Croft Beverages has raised USD 125k in pre-seed funding. Last year, Croft set up its first farmer-owned mini factory in Billicombai, Nilgiris. The company plans to scale and build 100 mini-factories by 2030 to support a sustainable tea industry here.
Shipping firms are cautiously optimistic that a Gaza truce will enable safe passage through the Suez Canal. The 14-month Red Sea trade route disruption has cost tea companies millions of dollars by forcing all European-bound tea from Asia, South Asia, and Africa to transit South Africa, adding the cost of 10 – 12 days in transit. Drewery’s World Container Index decreased 11% this week to $3,445 per 40ft container, but shipping insurance premiums remain high. Yemen-based Houthis left open the possibility of resuming attacks. | Carlsberg UK Holdings has acquired Britvic, a leading international soft beverage manufacturer and distributor with a portfolio that includes soft drinks, energy drinks, plant milks, bottled juices, sparkling water, mixers, canned coffee, and ready-to-drink tea. Britvic’s annual turnover was £1.899 billion (about USD 2.3 billion) for the fiscal year ending September 2024. During that same period, Carlsberg reported a yearly turnover of 75 billion Danish Kroner (about USD 10.5 billion). | A study published in January in the peer-reviewed journal Renal Failure found that drinking up to four cups of tea daily was significantly associated with reduced deaths in patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that oxidized tea has a particularly protective effect. | Singpho chief Duwa Bisa Nat Nong has passed at 71. He was cremated with full state honors by the government in Assam. Chief Nong was the great-great-grandson of the Singpho chief who introduced British explorers to the Assamica bush 180 years ago.
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Carlsberg Group Acquires UK Bottler Britvic
Carlsberg Acquires UK Beverage Bottler Britvic for $4.28 Billion
By Dan Bolton
Carlsberg UK Holdings has acquired Britvic, a leading international soft beverage manufacturer and distributor with a portfolio that includes soft drinks, energy drinks, plant milks, bottled juices, sparkling water, mixers, canned coffee, and ready-to-drink tea.
Britvic’s annual turnover was £1.899 (about USD $2.3 billion) for the fiscal year ending September 2024. During that same period, Carlsberg reported an annual turnover of DKK 75 billion (about USD $10.5 billion).
Britvic produces and distributes Lipton Ice Tea among several brands, including Pepsi Max, Gatorade, 7-UP, and Mountain Dew, under an exclusive licensing agreement with PepsiCo in Great Britain and Ireland.
With this acquisition, Carlsberg strengthens its relationship with PepsiCo, becoming its largest bottling partner in Europe.
In a prepared statement posted online, Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen said, “The Britvic acquisition is a pivotal milestone in the history of Carlsberg as we deepen our commitment to the UK market and write an ambitious next chapter in our growth story.
“Soft drinks are an attractive category that also brings significant synergies with beer. Britvic is a large-scale, well-established business with a strong portfolio of much-loved owned and partnership brands consistently delivering strong results.”
The transaction brings together an experienced and capable management team from both businesses that will drive attractive growth for the combined business.
Britvic’s French tea brand Teisseire includes a range of syrups, some of which can be used to create tea-flavored beverages. In Brazil, Britvic offers Natural Tea, a brand acquired in 2015. Natural Tea promotes a balanced lifestyle, providing herbal teas flavored with different fruit combinations.
“With the transaction complete, we are excited to create a highly attractive supplier of beer and soft drinks in the UK with an efficient supply chain and distribution network that provides customers with a portfolio of market-leading brands and world-class service,” writes Carlsberg.
Paul Davies, formerly CEO of Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company, was named CEO of the newly formed Carlsberg Britvic in the United Kingdom, effective today (Jan. 17, 2025).
Elsewhere, Pedro Magalhães retains his role as Managing Director of Britvic Brazil, and Kevin Donnelly retains his role as Managing Director of Britvic Ireland—both markets are now part of the Carlsberg Group.
The sale was announced in June 2024. The £3.3 billion deal was structured at 1,315 pence per Britvic share and included a special dividend of 25 pence per share.
Britvic was delisted from the London Stock Exchange on Jan. 20.
Laboratory model of human kidneys
Kidney Mortality Rates Lower for Tea Drinkers Consuming Oxidized Tea
By Meagan Francis
A studypublished in January in the peer-reviewed journal Renal Failure found that drinking up to four cups of tea per day was significantly associated with reduced deaths in patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that oxidized tea has a particularly protective effect.
Researchers Jin Li, Ph. D., and colleagues from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China conducted a comprehensive secondary analysis of data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. The primary goal was to examine the relationship between tea consumption and mortality in CKD patients at all stages.
From an initial 45,109 participants, the researchers narrowed their study focus to a cohort of 17,575 individuals. The study excluded pregnant participants who adhered to “extreme” dietary habits, defined as consuming more than ten cups of tea daily.
The cohort included 12,958 participants who reported never consuming tea, 3,412 who consumed 0–4 cups daily, and 1,205 who drank more than four cups of tea a day.
During the follow-up period, researchers tracked 5,835 deaths. After adjusting for confounding variables, including age, sex, race, education level, marital status, annual household income, comorbidities, and a long list of dietary and lifestyle factors, researchers found that consuming up to four cups of unsweetened tea per day was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who never drank tea.
Oxidized tea had a particularly protective effect: replacing one cup of green tea with a cup of oxidized tea, such as black or oolong tea, was associated with a 10% lower risk of all-cause mortality in CKD Stages 1–2.
The study’s authors surmised that the protective effect of oxidized tea may be due to thearubigins and theaflavins, compounds produced during the enzymatic fermentation of fresh tea leaves. Black tea polyphenols have been shown to have a positive effect on renal health.
An estimated 10% of the world’s population—over 800 million people—are impacted by CKD, and that number continues to rise. As their kidney function declines, CKD patients are often advised to adjust their diets, which can call the consumption of tea into question. While the researchers acknowledge that an observational study has limitations, its findings are encouraging for tea lovers affected by kidney disease.
Citation: Association of tea consumption with all-cause/cardiovascular disease mortality in the chronic kidney disease population: an assessment of participation in the national cohort | Jin Li,Xing-Ling Chen,Xiao-Lu Ou-Yang,Xiao-Jiao Zhang,Yue Li,Shu-Ning Sun,Ling-Jun Wang,Zhong-Qi Yang,Shi-Hao Ni &Lu Lu Article: 2449578 | Received 17 Jun 2024, Accepted 30 Dec 2024, Published online: 13 Jan 2025
Yemen-based Houthi’s pause shipping attacks following Gaza ceasefire
Red Sea Shipping Attacks Paused Following Gaza Cease-Fire
By Dan Bolton
Shipping firms are cautiously optimistic that a Gaza truce will enable safe passage through the Suez Canal.
The 14-month Red Sea trade route disruption has cost tea companies millions of dollars. All European-bound tea from Asia, South Asia, and Africa was forced to pay for up to 10 additional transit days around South Africa to reach UK, Danish, and German ports.
Yemen-based Houthis announced the group would halt attacks on vessels and Israel during a ceasefire but left open the possibility of resuming attacks. The 42-day suspension of hostilities is contingent on the release of hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from the Gaza Strip.
Maritime risk firm Ambrey said Houthi actions will continue while Israeli military forces operate within the Gaza Strip.
Reuters reports that container giant A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and oil tanker owner Hafnia Ltd. are still monitoring the situation. Maersk said it would return to the Red Sea and sail through the notorious Bab el Mandeb strait when it’s safe, adding that it was still too early to speculate about the timing.
Drewery’s World Container Index decreased 11% this week to $3,445 per 40ft container, but shipping insurance premiums remain high.
Munro Anderson, head of operations at marine war risk and insurance specialist Vessel Protect, told Reuters, “This remains a deeply complex and volatile region where the idea of threat levels to vessels and their crews substantially subsiding in the near term is unrealistic.”
The mass resumption of transits through the Red Sea—which never stopped—would be significant for shippers and commodity markets.
“We might see some ships resume Red Sea transits in the coming weeks,” said Jakob Larsen, chief safety & security officer at shipping trade group BIMCO. “But it will require fairly strong indications of ceasefire stability before shipping in general resumes transits to pre-conflict levels. The container lines will probably take a little longer.”
BIZ INSIGHT – The threat of extraordinary US tariffs remains. Tea shipped from China is currently subject to 15% Section 301 tariffs and now faces an additional 10% levy. This week, the US House of Representatives introduced legislation to revoke China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status (PNTR). If enacted, the legislation would phase-in substantial tariffs, starting at 10% in the first year and escalating to 100% by the fifth year.
The bill would eliminate the “de minimis” exemption for low-value Chinese imports, which allows goods valued under $800 to enter the US duty-free. China’s Low-cost tea could qualify for the “de minimis” exemption. However, ongoing legislative efforts might change this, eliminating exemptions for all Chinese goods.
Tariffs invariably lead to supply chain disruptions as tea companies restructure their supply chains to avoid higher expenses.
Peter Yang, CEO Oversubscribe
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Peter Yang | CEO OverSubscribe
Tea Firms and Fans Share Financial Success
By Dan Bolton
Tea stakeholders globally find it difficult to access capital via traditional financial networks. Institutional investors cite daunting obstacles, including persistently low prices, a fragmented supply chain, and low profit-margins in commodity markets. The tea industry’s vulnerability to climate change heightens risk.
Since 2021, several tea companies have successfully turned to equity crowdfunding as an alternative to traditional loans and elusive venture capital.
Nepal Tea Collective founder Nishchal Banskota raised more than $600,000 from small investors to expand operations, including new retail stores in Kathmandu. Young Mountain Tea founder Raj Vable’s ongoing WeFunder campaign has raised $225,450 to construct and operate a community-owned tea-processing factory in Kumaon, India. Others include Revival Tea and CUSA Tea and Coffee, which raised $1.2 million in 2022.
Joining us today is Peter Yang, president and CEO of OverSubscribe+,a non-crypto, fully regulated way for customers and fans to fund company growth and earn back a share of the money they make.
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Red Sea Shipping Attacks Paused Following Gaza Cease-Fire | Carlsberg Acquires UK Beverage Bottler Britvic for $4.28 Billion | Kidney Mortality Rates Lower for Tea Drinkers Consuming Oxidized Tea | Episode 202 | 24 January 2025
Maha Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage | The largest human gathering in the world
Indian Tea Producers Flag Sub-Standard Imports
Even as Darjeeling’s tea producers express concern about illegal imports from Nepal, this week, the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Association (CISTA) has submitted a letter to the Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressing concern about the growing influx of low-quality teas from Kenya and Nepal. The letter said that these imports impact the quality of Indian tea, along with demand and pricing.
CISTA President Bijoy Gopal Chakraborty shared data that shows a 288% increase in Kenyan imports between January and October 2024, from 3.53 million kg in 2023 to 13.71 million kg. These teas are used for blending and re-exports. Imports from Nepal stood at 13.66 million kg, much of it being sold within the country. He highlighted the lack of regulatory food safety measures on imported tea, particularly from Nepal.
Eight years ago, the Tea Board decided to counter oversupply by insisting that gardens in north India close for winter. The letter said that the unchecked flow of imported tea undermines these efforts. Flooding the market with cheap, inferior-quality teas will affect the reputation of Indian tea. This letter follows a submission by the Indian Tea Association last week on the issue of Nepal tea.
Chai Point Set to Create a Record at The Maha Kumbh
The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, an important Hindu pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh, is ongoing. The event is expected to see 250mn people. Chai Point, the Indian tea brand, was selected as the tea partner along with the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). Together, they expect to serve over one crore or 10 million cups of tea, hoping to set a Guinness World Record for the most cups sold at a single event. The Maha Kumbh began on the 13th of January and is expected to conclude on February 26th. Chai Point has set up 10 stores for visitors to the Kumbh.
Women’s Football Thrives in Assam’s Tea Gardens
To promote football among young girls living in tea gardens, the Assam Tea Tribes Sports and Cultural Association has planned an All Assam Inter Tea Garden Women’s Football Tournament in Dibrugarh. This will be the 2nd edition of the programme. The preliminary round will kick off this week across the state.
Singpho Chief Nong Passes at 71
Singpho chief Duwa Bisa Nat Nong has passed at 71. The government of Assam gave him full state honors at a cremation ceremony on Jan. 17. Chief Nong was a descendent of the Singpho chief who introduced British explorers to the Assamica tea bush 180 years ago. His mortal remains were carried on a six-wheeled catafalque pulled by his family members, relatives, well-wishers, and community members. More than a thousand people from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh attended the cremation.
Nong was the last political Jamedar of India and the Mauzadar of the Tirap Mauza in the Tirap tribal belt under the Margherita subdivision in the Tinsukia district of Assam.
The celebration of Hot Tea Month has been steadily gaining steam (pun intended). Marketers have invested in building momentum in recent years, coinciding with growing interest in wellness and healthy lifestyle habits. Many consumers, particularly in Western markets, are increasingly aware of these benefits and incorporating tea into their daily routines. | Cherry red erythrosine (known commercially as Red Dye No. 3) is widely used to color beverages, snack foods, and candy but is not commonly used to color tea. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics and personal care products out of concern for health risks. On Jan. 15, the FDA extended the ban to include food products, beverages, and ingested drugs. | Argentine tea produced in Misiones and northern Corrientes has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) from the European Union (EU). Tea from these provinces is the southernmost tea produced on the planet.
“Tea Journey is raising funds to relocate to the tea lands in 2025. Investors receive a share of annual profits and unlimited access to hundreds of articles and podcast features. To estimate our crowdfunding potential, OverSubscribe+ asks our fans to indicate their support by completing a three-question audience interest survey. There is no obligation.”
The celebration of Hot Tea Month has been steadily gaining steam (pun intended). Marketers have invested in building momentum in recent years, coinciding with growing interest in wellness and healthy lifestyle habits. Many consumers, particularly in Western markets, are increasingly aware of these benefits and incorporating tea into their daily routines.
Hot Tea Month has highlighted traditional black and green herbal teas in the past decade and newer and trendy varieties such as matcha, chai, and bubble tea. The month has become a time for people to explore new types of tea and experiment with different brewing methods and innovations to enhance tea’s cultural and health aspects.
Continued…
Technomic reports that chai, at 4.1%, was the fastest-growing tea category on menus in the US in 2023. In Canada, chai offerings grew by 25% over two years, with specialty tea menu items up by 19.8% and hot tea up by 18.3%.
Technomic asked consumers why they order hot tea away from home. The most common response was “to get a pick-me-up” at 23%, followed by “wash down my food” at 19% and relax or unwind with family and friends (18%). Survey respondents cited “quench my thirst” as the fourth most common reason to order tea, while 18% said they order tea with snacks or indulge in a dessert/treat.
Transparency Market Research (TMR) projects the tea market will expand to $33.9 billion by 2032, growing at a combined average rate of 5.9%. “Rising disposable incomes and growing health awareness in countries like Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East present opportunities for expansion,” writes TMR.
Technavio Report Projects 5.2% Growth in the US Organic Tea Market
Researchers also cite growing demand for premium teas such as single-origin, organic, and artisanal blends. Customers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, sustainable, ethically sourced tea.
Technavio projects the US market for organic tea to grow by $93.9 million through 2029. Drivers include organic matcha and premium organic black tea, which are projected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR.
Technavio writes that consumers increasingly seek teas rich in antioxidants like epicatechin gallate and catechins. “organic matcha green tea is leading the trend.”
FDA Ban Imposed in 1990 Extended to Include Food and Beverages
By Dan Bolton
Cherry red erythrosine (known commercially as Red Dye No. 3) is widely used to color beverages, snack foods, and candy but is not commonly used to color tea.
In 1990, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics and personal care products. On January 15, 2025, the FDA extended the ban to include food products and ingested drugs.
Concerns were first raised about the safety of Red Dye No. 3 during the 1980s when studies linked it to thyroid tumors in laboratory animals. No conclusive studies have been conducted on the connection of dye to human cancer, but Australia, Japan, and the European Union have instituted bans out of caution.
Over the years, ongoing research identified additional potential health risks regarding its role in hormone disruption and cancer risk.
The 2025 ban reflects growing caution over the potential long-term effects of synthetic additives on health, particularly for children who are most likely to consume products containing the dye.
These products include maraschino cherries, PEZ candy, Brach’s candy corn, Jelly Belly candies, strawberry-flavored beverages, toaster pastries, ice pops, frozen fruit bars, the red icing on some cookies, and snack cakes.
Manufacturers must remove the dye from their products by January 2027. In recent years, formulators have replaced synthetic colors and additives with natural alternatives such as beet juice, red cabbage pigment, or carmine, a coloring made from insects.
BIZ INSIGHT — The National Confectioners Association expressed concerns about the cost of reformulations, given that Red Dye No. 3 has not been shown to cause human cancer. Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy director for human foods, told NBC News that “the FDA cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals.” Once announced, the confectioners released this statement: “Food safety is the number one priority for US confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDA’s guidance and safety standards.”
Argentina tea farm in Misiones. Photo by Carolina Okulovich, La Ruta del Té
Argentina’s Misiones Tea Region is Awarded GI Status
By Horacio Bustos
Argentine tea produced in Misiones and northern Corrientes has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) from the European Union (EU).
Tea from these provinces is the southernmost tea produced on the planet.
GI’s recognition of “Argentine Tea” protects the authenticity of its origin and attests to its quality worldwide, enhancing its cultural value and opening up opportunities in international markets.
Designations of origin and traditional production methods are part of a system that protects products tied to specific geographical areas. Introduced in 1992, the system began a broader effort to safeguard traditional foods and agricultural products from misuse and imitation.
It was the work of a whole year led by the General Directorate of Yerba Mate and Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Production, with the support of the Undersecretariat of Agri-Food Markets and International Insertion of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of the Nation.
The effort was coordinated with the Argentine Tea Association, INTA Cerro Azul, and INTI Misiones. The presentation and defense of the request for the GI of Argentine tea before the National Advisory Commission on Geographical Indications and Denominations of Origin for Agricultural and Food Products was carried out virtually.
It is important to highlight that the GI is an intellectual property right that operates under the jurisdiction of the National Secretariat of Agriculture and is regulated by law.
Adriana Yánez, representing the Argentine Tea Association, detailed in her presentation the particularities of the tea from this region. These teas are notable for their high polyphenol content, which gives them antioxidant power; their liquor is reddish or coppery (in black tea) and bright yellow or greenish (in green tea), with good shine and transparency even in cold infusion.
The teas are balanced and smooth in flavor, with low to medium astringency and a certain sweetness, while floral and vegetal notes predominate in the aroma.
These qualities are achieved thanks to the orthodox production process, using rollers and rotor vanes, which has also contributed to its international recognition for its safety.
Studies characterizing Argentine products were also included to support the presentation, with comparisons of the distinct Misiones terroir with other teas worldwide and a compilation of publications and different essays.
BIZ INSIGHT – The first GI in the European Union was granted in 1992 to the French “Roquefort” cheese, a blue cheese made from sheep’s milk and produced in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon region of southern France.
FEATURE
Professor Morgan Pitelka focuses on tea culture in 17th Century Kyoto, Japan.
Lessons From Japan’s Deep Engagement with Tea
By Dan Bolton
In medieval times, Japanese commanders bestowed teaware on valiant survivors at banquets, explains historian Morgan Pitelka. Later, in the early modern period, tea culture permeated every walk of life in the imperial capital of Kyoto. The prevalence of Chanoyu in the Shogun era, a time of social upheaval and war, provides relevant insights into coping with stressful times today. Pitelka reveals tea’s unique role in Bringing Communities Together during war and peace.
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Professor Morgan Pitelka | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Hot Tea Gains Marketing Momentum | FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 in Foods and Beverages | Argentina’s Misiones Tea Growing Region is Awarded Geographic Indication Status | Episode 201 | 17 January 2025
Wagh Bakri Tea Group inaugurates a second contemporary two-storied Tea Lounge in Ahmedabad. Photo courtesy/Wagh Bakri Tea
Wagh Bakri To Expand its Instant Tea Business
Wagh Bakri Tea has ended 2024 on a high note, with annual sales reaching 60 million kilos, making them India’s 3rd largest tea manufacturer with a 9% market share. 2025 will continue to be bullish as the company has announced its expansion plans.
This includes a new manufacturing unit in Dakor, Gujarat, which will boost Wagh Bakri’s instant tea blending volumes fourfold to 20,000 packets per day. The facility is being set up with an investment of over $10 million and is expected to open later this year. It will accommodate greater storage as well. The company is a significant buyer of Indian tea and imports a small volume from Kenya and Sri Lanka.
The company is focused on its domestic market and plans to deepen market penetration in the south and east. In its hometown, Ahmedabad, its market share is at 80%. The aim seems to be to close the gap between the top two contenders, HUL and Tata Consumer Products. Wagh Bakri operates 55 tea lounges across the country with plans to open 8-10 new ones annually.
TRA Launches Learning Platform
The Tea Research Association (TRA) Tocklai, the world’s oldest and largest tea research institute, has unveiled LearnTea. This global learning platform distills over 100 years of tea cultivation expertise into accessible courses for enthusiasts and industry professionals worldwide. LearnTea offers deep insights into tea science—from thriving garden management to tackling climate challenges.
The online courses are designed for tea enthusiasts and professionals who are engaged in tea plantations and are taught by experienced resource persons. There are six courses up at the moment, and the fee ranges from Rs 500-800.
LearnTea has been designed in-house by Rituraj Sharma, Communications Officer TRA Tocklai. “The idea of the online tea courses is to share Tocklai’s tea knowledge with both the Indian and global tea industries while also generating revenue through these courses. The response has been good,” said TRA Secretary Joydeep Phukan.
TRA serves the research and development needs of the Indian tea industry, promoting research aimed at enhancing productivity and quality. A pioneer in tea R&D, TRA also provides extension services to the industry. The Tocklai Experimental Station was established in 1911. Roopak Goswami
