Menu
National Tea Convention 2025 Commences, Showcasing South Indian Tea Excellence
The National Tea Convention on South India Teas- 2025 got underway today. The two-day convention on March 7th and 8th, 2025 is being organized by the Tea Board of India jointly with Tea Trade Association of Coimbatore, United Planters Association of Southern India, Federation of All India Tea Traders Association and Tea Trade Association of Cochin.
The convention with the theme ‘ Increasing Consumer Awareness on Quality of South Indian Teas’, is witnessing the participation of various stakeholders such as large tea packeters of India, leading tea manufacturers, sellers, and buyers from across the country.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included Dr. M.Muthukumar, IAS, Executive Director, Tea Board India, Conoor, Mr. K.G. Nanda, Former Chairman, TTAC, Coimbatore, Mr. Dipak Shah, Convenor, NCOSIT 2025, Mr. Girish R. Nair, Chairman, Tea Trade Association of Coimbatore, Mr. Anil George Joseph, Vice Chairman, Tea Trade Association of Cochin, Mr. Mathew K. Abraham, President, United Planters’ Association of Southern India, Mr. Sanjay Shah, Chairman, Federation of All India Tea Traders Association and Mr. B. Rajesh Chander, Hittakkal Estate Group.
Speaking at the National Tea Convention, Dr. Muthukumar commended the organizing committee for successfully hosting the event, calling it a significant step in raising consumer awareness about South Indian tea.
He praised the various activities planned during the convention, including the student rally and walkathon, highlighting their role in educating and engaging the younger generation about the importance of high-quality tea.
Dr. Muthukumar underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders—tea growers, manufacturers, buyers, and others—in maintaining and enhancing tea quality. He stressed that ensuring excellence is not just the duty of a single entity but a shared commitment across the entire value chain.
Looking toward the future, he emphasized the need to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traceability in the tea industry. By leveraging AI, he noted, stakeholders can provide greater transparency, build consumer trust, and reinforce the credibility of South Indian tea.
Mr. K.G. Nanda in his address, shared his varied experiences in the tea industry. He said that he was confident of the industry maintaining a continuous growth path. He said while there may be challenges, he was confident of the stakeholders putting their best foot forward , and predicted a great future for the industry.
Mr. Soundarajan, Director, Tea Board India, in his speech said that South India Tea is unique. He called upon the gathering to believe in this uniqueness and utilize the emerging opportunities to increase tea consumption.
Mr. Rajesh Chaudhary, Vice Chairman, Tea Board India highlighted the good quality of South India tea and said that the industry is all set for a period of healthy growth.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Dinesh Karia, Vice Chairman, Tea Board India, congratulated the organizing team for the successful conduct of the event.
Mr. Mathew Abraham, President, UPASI mentioned that the event showcased the commitment of the different stakeholders for the betterment of the industry. He lauded the efforts of the organizing committee for bringing together such a distinguished gathering of dignitaries for the event.
Mr. Sanjay Shah, Chairman, All India Tea Trade Association, stated that it was a privilege to be part of the event. He said that the National Convention showcased the rich heritage of South India tea.
Mr. Anil George, Vice Chairman, Tea Trade Association, Cochin said that the convention is a testament to the popularity of South India tea. He said that the future looks promising for the industry.
Mr. Girish Nair, Chairman, Tea Trade Association, Coimbatore mentioned that it was a privilege to be part of the convention. He said that the different stakeholders had gathered to explore, share and collaborate on the most pressing issues in the tea trade.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Mr. Dipak Shah, said the purpose of the convention is to bring the different stakeholders on one platform and discuss about the challenges and opportunities in the field of tea trade. He added that the convention will help bring about a positive change to the industry.
Key highlights of the event also included a tea tasing session, selection of teas for the ‘Golden Leaf India ‘ Awards, buyer-seller meet and exhibition, showcasing South India Teas.