NEW DELHI, May 21: India’s tea exports have touched a 10-year high, with 255 million kilograms of tea worth USD 924 million exported in 2024 — a 10% increase from the previous year, according to the Tea Board of India.
Speaking on International Tea Day, Deputy Chairman Saurav Pahari said India had now overtaken Sri Lanka to become the world’s second-largest tea exporter, shipping to over 25 countries, including the UAE, Iran, Russia, USA, UK, and Iraq. “We’re reaching out to newer markets like Canada and Australia while maintaining traditional ones,” he said.
India currently accounts for 10% of global tea exports, with black tea forming 96% of its shipments.
To further strengthen its position, the Tea Board is focusing on:
- Expanding global reach to non-traditional markets
- Enhancing tea tasting infrastructure and certification centers
- Launching globally certified tea tasting courses
- Training youth as master trainers in partnership with companies
- Collaborating with the Spice Board to create innovative tea flavours
Pahari also noted that over 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), 400 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and 17 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) have been formed to support growers.
“The goal is to build a skilled workforce, boost brand value, and improve export readiness across the board,” he added.
