India achieved historical achievement in the global tea market in 2024. According to the recently released data by the Tea Board of India, India has exported a total of 255 million kg of tea in 2024, which is the highest level of the past decade. With this figure, India has created history by leaving Sri Lanka behind and becoming the second largest tea exporting country in the world. Kenya remains in the first place, which has retained its position.
This success is not limited to figures only. India has achieved this milestone in conditions when many challenges such as bright stress, global economic uncertainty and delayed logistics were exposed worldwide. Despite this, Indian tea has made a tremendous hold in international markets on the basis of its quality, taste and variety.
Export growth of 10% from 2023 to 2024
In 2023, India exported a total of 231.69 million kg of tea, while in 2024 the figure rose to 255 million kg – that is, an impressive increase of about 10%. Not only the quantity, there has been a tremendous surge in revenue. While India exported tea worth Rs 6,161 crore in 2023, it increased to Rs 7,111 crore in 2024, ie 15% of the arrival.
The biggest contribution in this came from markets like Iraq, where a significant increase in demand has been recorded. According to data, Iraq alone imports about 20% of India’s total tea exports. The popularity of Indian tea in West Asia is steadily increasing, and India has benefited from the decline in Sri Lankan production, which has firmly entered these markets.
India’s tea is being liked worldwide
India is not only the largest consumer country of tea, now it has also become a strong global brand. India exports tea to more than 25 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Russia, America and United Kingdom. India accounts for about 10% of the total global tea exports, reflecting the international reputation of the industry.
About 96% of the tea exported from India is of black tea or black tea. Apart from this, variants like green tea, herbal tea, masala tea, and lemon tea are now gradually becoming internationally popular. The special thing is that Assam, Darjeeling and Eucalyptus tea is considered to be the best quality tea worldwide. Their demand is increasing every year due to natural fragrance, taste and uniqueness in these.
Major states of India in tea production
Tea in India is mainly produced in the north-east and southern states. Assam Valley and Cachar, Tea of India can be called the capital. Apart from this, Darjeeling, Doors and Terai regions in West Bengal are large centers of tea production. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka together in South India contribute about 17% of India’s total production.
Currently about 2.30 lakh small tea growers in India are part of the supply chain. Interestingly, about 52% of the total production contributes from these small producers. This not only promotes rural livelihood, but also increases the diversity and quality of production.
Government policies and tea industry got support
The Indian government has taken several concrete steps to strengthen the tea industry and ensure the safety of the families engaged in it. The Central Government has implemented the following initiatives through the Tea Board of India:
- 352 self -help groups (SHG) have been formed, which promote collective functions in tea gardens.
- 440 farmer producing organizations (FPOs) and 17 farmer producing companies (FPCs) are helping small producers to provide better markets and resources.
- Special emphasis is being laid on quality plucking, crop management and training so that both productivity and quality can be improved.
- Modern technologies such as pruning machines and mechanical harvester are being given to farmers so that the production process can become fast and efficient.
- Mini tea factories have been installed, motivating rural entrepreneurs and youth for self -employment.
Indian tea industry: basis of employment and self -sufficiency
Today, about 1.16 million people in the Indian tea industry are employed directly and indirectly. These include women, small farmers, people associated with transport and business representatives. This industry not only accelerates the rural economy, but is also contributing in the direction of self -sufficient India under government initiatives like ‘Wocal for Local’.
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India’s Black Tea: Most exported tea worldwide
When it comes to export of tea, black tea i.e. black tea comes out as India’s biggest strength. About 96% of the tea exported from India is black tea. Its popularity is not only limited to the domestic market, but also in international markets. Black tea is liked worldwide due to its dark color, acute taste and long -term freshness.
Black tea sales are the highest in markets like UK, Russia, Iran, Iraq and America. It is consumed in these countries especially as breakfast blends, flavored black tea and masala tea. In many countries, black tea is adopted as “Indian Masala Te” with milk and spices, which gives them a special experience.
Apart from black tea, India is now gradually focusing on healthy options like green tea and herbal tea, as health awareness is increasing in global trends. Although black tea is currently the basis of India’s tea exports, the expansion of diversity in the coming times can definitely lead the country’s export data to be further elevated.
Tea industry challenges: climate change to cost
The larger the tea industry, the larger and beneficial it is surrounded by challenges. Especially climate change is emerging as its biggest enemy. Incidents like uncertain pattern, excessive heat and floods of rain are directly impacting tea production.
In addition, all the factors keep the industry under pressure – continuous increase in production costs, salary and safety needs, and global market – all these factors under pressure. Many times logistic issues such as delay in export or lack of container also become major obstacles.
In addition, it is also the responsibility of maintaining pure and quality tea on the shoulders of tea growers, as it is very important to maintain brand image in the international market. A small lapse can affect the reputation of the entire country.
The government and tea boards need to work continuously on these problems so that this industry continues to move forward and farmers, traders and consumers – all will benefit.
Indian tea brand international identity
India’s tea is not just a product, but as a brand. “Darurgeling Tea”, “Assam T” and “Nilgiri Tea” have GI Tags, which gives them unique identity and global reputation. This tag indicates that this tea is produced only in that particular geographical area and its quality and taste belongs to the same place.
In international markets, when someone hears the name of “Dargirling Tea”, he misses India’s image and premium quality tea. This is the reason that many luxury tea brands import tea from India and sell the premium price for it.
India should promote its brand in a more aggressive way, such as a marketing campaign like ‘Indian Tea – A Global Heritage’. This will not only increase exports but India’s tea will be recognized as a cultural and delicious experience worldwide.
Tea and Indian Culture: Not only a drink, a feeling
Tea is not just a drink in India, it is an excuse for the early morning, the relief of the afternoon, and the evening gossip. Whether office meeting or rail travel, street corner or any marriage – tea is part of every occasion.
This cultural aspect gives India’s tea a different identity. Drinking tea is a social activity here. When this culture goes to the international stage, it can be presented with an emotional connection – and this makes India’s tea unique.
Jumlas like ‘Chai Pe Discussion’, ‘Kadak Chai’, ‘Come Tea Drink’ are not just things, but a glimpse of Indian lifestyle. By including this cultural depth in the branding of India, a new identity of Indian tea can be created worldwide.
Future direction: digital, sustainable and global
The future of the tea industry is now moving towards digital, durable and global approach. Now farmers are using modern means such as monitoring drones, data-driving crop management, and online sales. On the other hand, keeping in mind the environment, emphasis is also being laid on sustainable farming and reducing carbon footprint.
The government, NGOs and private companies are working on e-auction platforms, digital marketing, and eco-friendly packaging. This will not only improve the quality, but will also make India’s image among international customers a progressive tea producing country.
This time is also excellent for startups and innovators in the field of tea. Ideas like ‘Infused T’, ‘Cold Bru’, ‘Specialty Tea Cafe’ are attracting youth, and this industry is accelerating both employment and entrepreneurship.
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