India pavilion inaugurated in New York to celebrate 200 Years of Assam Tea

Guwahati: Assam's Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has inaugurated an India pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York to celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea.

Assam Tea is a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery in 1823 along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the chief secretary was quoted as saying in an official statement.

"As we celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea, we do so not only with pride in our legacy but with a clear vision for the future," he said during the inauguration on Sunday.

For Assam, the pavilion serves as both a celebratory and strategic platform as Assam Tea stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation, Kota said.

He pointed out four startups -- Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea – "provide a flavour of tea startups brewing innovation in Assam and so we wanted to bring these brands here".

"They are innovating new blends of exotic tea, and I am confident that these innovations will gain global visibility from this event," he added.

He also highlighted the vital role played by Assam's small tea growers, who contribute to 40 per cent of the state's production, and also pointed out the transformative impact of bought-leaf factories in the ecosystem.

Kota said that a key enabler of this thriving industry is the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, the largest in India by volume.

Trading over 250 million kg annually, it provides buyers worldwide with access to a diverse array of Assam teas through a digital, transparent, and highly regulated platform.

In 2024-25, more than 100 million kg of Assam tea were shipped to over 90 countries, generating nearly USD 285 million in exports.

Major destinations include the United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, Germany, Iraq, and China, underscoring Assam's position as a trusted supplier to both traditional and emerging tea markets.

"The Assam government is committed to deepening India-US relations through strategic initiatives involving AI, blockchain, and specialised summits," Kota said.

"We are also planning to host the 'Heritage to Wellness' Tea Showcase across the US and sign MoUs with American universities, retailers, and innovation platforms to enhance traceability and promote sustainable partnerships," he added.

Consul General of India in New York Binaya S Pradhan was also present on the occasion.