The 21st edition of the Golden Leaf India Awards Southern Tea Competition is being organised jointly by the United Planters’ Association of Southern India and the Tea Board of India, continuing a two-decade legacy aimed at sustaining quality improvement in the South Indian tea industry.
In a press statement, Murali Balan Padikkal, Convener of the organising committee, said the competition has played a significant role in showcasing high-quality teas from South India to global markets and fostering healthy competition among six major tea-growing regions.
The first level of screening for this year’s competition was conducted on March 28 at UPASI in Coonoor. Alongside the main event, a Specialty Tea Competition was also held to highlight the diversity and craftsmanship of premium teas, including black, white, green and oolong varieties.
A total of 161 entries from 38 estates and companies across regions such as the Nilgiris, Wayanad, Anamallais, Travancore, High Ranges and Karnataka were received for the main competition. The specialty segment attracted 61 entries from 23 participants.
The entries were evaluated by a five-member jury comprising Noor Mohamed of Paramount Tea Marketing (S.I) Pvt Ltd, Thomas Mathews of Forbes Tea Brokers, Ananth Rajagopalan of Tata Consumer Products Ltd, Manoj Kumar Jain of Kushal Tea Co., Coonoor, and Poovandhran R of J. Thomas & Co. Pvt Ltd.
Teas that cleared the initial screening will undergo further testing for pesticide residues and heavy metals at the NABL-accredited laboratory of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation. Participants will also have an opportunity to present and market their premium teas at the Special Tea Auction scheduled to be held in April through the Cochin auction platform.
