India’s tea output rises 10% in May

The nation’s total estimated tea production during May 2019 rose to 134.8 million kg from 122.5 million kg a year earlier, as per an announcement by the Tea Board of India

June 25, 2019

While production in Assam rose by 17.5 per cent to 66.5 million kg, that from West Bengal rose by 17 per cent to 43.4 million kg

During the first five months of 2019, India produced around 322.8 million kg of tea, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.6 per cent

India, the world’s second-largest tea producer, is a top exporter with markets covering Japan, US, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the UK

Since 1947, India’s tea output has risen by more than 250 per cent, while the total land used for production has grown by 40 per cent

The nation’s total estimated tea production during May 2019 rose to 134.8 million kg from 122.5 million kg a year earlier, as per an announcement by the Tea Board of India on June 25. The output was led by higher plucking in Assam and West Bengal. While production in Assam rose by 17.5 per cent to 66.5 million kg, that from West Bengal rose by 17 per cent to 43.4 million kg. Meanwhile, during the first five months of 2019, India produced around 322.8 million kg of tea, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.6 per cent. India, the world’s second-largest tea producer, is also a top exporter with leading markets covering Japan, Australia, Canada, Singapore, US, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Germany, the Netherlands and UK.

India’s tea exports had touched a record high in 2017, indicating both strong demand worldwide as well as success of the measures taken by the Government to popularise Indian tea abroad. India exported 240.7 million kgs of tea in 2017 – the highest in 36 years. This export level was maintained during 2018. India is home to a wide variety of teas, including CTC tea, orthodox tea, green tea and organic tea. Unlike other tea producing and exporting nations, India has a production base for both CTC and orthodox tea, as well as green tea. The turnover of the Indian tea industry is roughly US$1.5 billion. Since 1947, India’s tea output has risen by 250 per cent, while the land used for production has grown by 40 per cent. 
Indian tea is among the finest in the world owing to strong geographical indications, heavy investments, continuous innovation, augmented product mix and strategic market expansion. High-quality specialty teas from India include Darjeeling, Assam Orthodox and the high-range Nilgiri, which have a distinctive aroma, strength, colour and flavour. Focused and sustained initiatives such as buyer-seller interactions, exchange of experts and innovations, participation at international trade fairs and promotion of Indian brands in key geographies have helped expand Indian teas’ market worldwide. Apart from export, India is one of the world’s largest consumers of tea, with three-fourths of total produce consumed locally.

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