Indian Perspectives On International Tea Day: What Does it Mean for Our Industry and Why We Should Care
Sankar Pal
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“The Indian tea industry is a story of innovation and reinvention. It has grown from humble beginnings in the late 19th century to become one of the world’s largest producers of black tea today.” The Indian tea industry is a fascinating study in reinvention. There is so much more to it than what meets the eye. In celebration of India’s 69th independence day, here’s a look into some important aspects of India and its role in the global tea industry.
India: A Brief History
For centuries, India has been a source of historical interest due to its rich culture and diverse history. In the year 79 AD, the first documented use of tea for medicinal purposes occurred in China. This discovery was led by Buddhist monks, who believed the herb would heal ailments such as diabetes. However, it was during the 16th century that the first tea plantation was established in India. The British East India Company facilitated the growth of India’s tea industry in the 18th century. For instance, the company introduced the first mechanised tea plucking machine in 1773.
The Indian tea industry: an overview
The Indian tea industry is a story of reinvention. The industry has gone through many transformations over the years and has adapted both to the local environment and the global tea market. It is an essential part of the country’s trade and cultural traditions. Today, India is the world’s sixth largest tea producer and is a major exporter of black tea to Europe, North America, and East Asia. India also produces a variety of premium herbal teas. The Indian tea industry is a dynamic, diverse, and evolving ecosystem, with tea as its lifeblood. The market is dynamic and there is a high level of competition in the industry. The changing consumer preferences, new product launches, and the exponential growth of the e-commerce business have led to a huge challenge for the industry.
Why is India celebrating tea day?
Tea day is celebrated across the world as a day to honour the importance of tea and the workers who grow it. The day falls annually on the second Monday of February, the same day as India’s Republic Day. The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1962. This is to celebrate the contribution tea has made to the world both as a beverage and a trade item. The Republic Day of India is celebrated every year on 15 December, which is the date in 1950 .This day is recognized throughout the country as “tea day.”
India and the global tea industry
India is a significant player in the global tea industry, producing some of the world’s highest-quality black tea. India also produces other varieties of tea as well as a large array of herbal and green teas. India has been exporting tea to the world for centuries, and today nearly 80% of India’s tea production is exported to over 70 countries. The country is a significant exporter of tea to the European Union, North America, and East Asia, with these three markets collectively making up about 85% of India’s tea exports.
Conclusion
Every culture has its own fascinating stories to tell, and India is no exception. Celebrating tea day is a great way to celebrate the history of this fascinating country and its role in the global tea industry. As one of the world’s largest producers of black tea, India has played a significant role in the growth of the global tea industry. It is also a key player in the herbal tea market.
