Assam tea brewed global admiration at the prestigious Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, held from June 29 to July 1 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Representing India’s cultural and agricultural pride, Assam’s finest teas took center stage—offering the world not just a beverage, but a story 200 years in the making.
Assam Tea Lounge Became the Star Attraction
The main highlight was the Assam Tea Lounge at the India Pavilion. Inaugurated by Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and India’s Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan, this space gave visitors a full experience of Assam’s tea culture. People enjoyed:
- Freshly brewed Assam teas
- Tasty combinations with cookies and chocolates
- Stories about tea workers and their lives
- Traditional music, dance, and handmade crafts
The lounge helped visitors experience the real essence of Assam.
Assam Tea Has a Long and Proud History
Assam is India’s biggest tea-producing region and grows over half of India’s total tea. In the year 2024–25, Assam exported more than 100 million kg of tea to 90+ countries, earning nearly $285 million.
The show gave India a great chance to share this 200-year-old tea tradition, from its discovery in the Brahmaputra Valley to becoming a global favorite known for its rich, malty flavor.
Focus on Sustainability and Women Empowerment
The event also showed how Assam’s tea industry supports sustainable farming and helps local communities, especially women. The India Pavilion featured:
- Tea brands certified by Rainforest Alliance
- Stories of women-led tea groups
- Eco-friendly growing methods
This matches the global trend of choosing ethical and eco-conscious products.
Assam Startups Impressed Global Buyers
Four Assam-based startups—Aromica Tea, Woolah Tea, Dorei Tea, and Earth Tea—stood out with their unique tea products. These startups mixed traditional flavors with modern ideas, proving that Assam tea is ready for the global market.
Well-known companies like Tata, Unilever, and Goodricke also joined the event, showing their support for Assam tea as a trusted, high-quality product.
Tea and Food Make a Perfect Pair
The event also celebrated how Assam tea fits into modern cooking and drinks. Some fun and tasty highlights included:
- Masala chai served from a special tea cart
- Tea-based cocktails and desserts made by expert chefs
- Collaborations with brands like Kolkata Chai Co. and Elements Truffles
- A “tea passport” for visitors to explore Assam’s flavors
Even Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna suggested hosting an Assam Tea Festival at his New York restaurant!
India’s Plan to Grow Assam Tea Worldwide
Backed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, India used the event to build new trade partnerships. Talks were held with US universities and businesses to:
- Research tea’s health benefits
- Increase Assam tea’s market reach
- Explore new export opportunities
These efforts aim to take Assam tea to more shelves around the world
Tea is More Than Just a Drink
tea isn’t just about flavor—it’s a symbol of India’s culture, economy, and hard work. The Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 helped share this story with the world.
As people sipped Assam tea in New York, they tasted a piece of the Brahmaputra Valley. With growing popularity and global support, Assam tea is ready to become a worldwide favorite.
