Industry experts push for expansion of India's premium tea sector

Industry experts have called for renewed efforts to promote India's premium tea segment, citing significant untapped potential in international specialty markets. As global consumers increasingly seek high-quality, origin-specific teas, industry representatives argue that India's renowned growing regions are well-positioned to capture greater market share in the premium segment.

Specialty tea varieties from established tea-growing regions such as Darjeeling, Assam, and the Nilgiris command premium prices in international markets due to their distinctive flavour profiles and limited production volumes. Experts suggest that enhanced marketing, improved quality standards, and better supply chain management could substantially increase exports of these high-value products.

Proponents of the premium tea sector highlight the economic benefits for tea-growing communities, noting that higher-value production can provide better returns for smallholder farmers and estates. The shift toward premium varieties also offers opportunities for value addition through specialty packaging and direct-to-consumer distribution channels.

Industry participants have recommended coordinated promotion through trade missions, participation in international specialty food exhibitions, and digital marketing initiatives targeting health-conscious and affluent consumers. They also emphasize the need for government support through infrastructure development and export incentive schemes tailored to the specialty tea segment.