The Legacy of Assam Black Tea: My Entrepreneurial Journey with Assam’s Finest Brew
As an entrepreneur deeply rooted in the world of black tea, I’ve spent decades learning the nuances of this age-old beverage that flows through the veins of Indian culture and commerce. From sourcing premium leaves in remote estates to negotiating exports across continents, black tea has been more than just a product—it’s been a journey, a passion, and a thriving business.
In this article, I’ll share insights from my years of experience in the black tea industry, focusing on India’s pride—Assam black tea—and how it holds a vital place in the global tea trade and the Indian economy.
Understanding Black Tea: The World’s Favourite Brew
Black tea is the most oxidized form of tea, offering a bold flavor, deep aroma, and higher caffeine content compared to green or white teas.
Assam black tea is mostly consumed as breakfast tea (like English Breakfast or Irish Breakfast).It is known for its robustness and versatility—enjoyed plain, with milk, or blended with spices (like India’s own masala chai).
Assam produces different types of tea such as black tea , green tea and oolong tea in different grades and quality.
Assam produces some of the best tea in the world.The production of tea in Assam starts in february/march and ends in december with the closing of factories .
The quality of Assam tea depends mainly on the season of its production.The best tea producing season when the much sought after thick malty tea known as second flush tea is produced is in the spring season .Second flush is produced durung the march and and april first week depending upon the rainfall. Also during the autumn a very good quality is produced across various factories and gardens in Assam.
Why Assam Black Tea Stands Out
As someone who has been working with Assam tea, I can say with confidence that Assam black tea is one of the best in the world. Grown in the rich, fertile valleys of Assam along the Brahmaputra River, this tea is known for its:
- Bold and malty flavor
- Bright liquor
- Thick body
- High briskness and strength
The climate—characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity—creates perfect growing conditions for the Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant variety.
The grades of Assam tea is in CTC- bp, bop, bopsm, of , pf.
The grades of Assam tea is in orthodox TGFOP,FOP,FBOP,TGBOP,TGFBOP
In international markets, Assam black tea is a premium category, highly demanded by both direct consumers and major blenders.
you can also like :How I had exported Assam black tea as a new exporter
The Spectrum of Tea Qualities in India
India is home to some of the most diverse and high-quality teas in the world. Besides Assam, major tea-producing regions include:
- Darjeeling – known as the “Champagne of teas,” with floral and muscatel notes.
- Nilgiri (South India) – offering fragrant and smooth teas ideal for blends.
- Dooars and Terai – producing strong, medium-grade black teas perfect for CTC production.
My experience has taught me that every region offers its unique signature, making Indian tea versatile across global preferences—from loose leaf connoisseurs to bagged tea lovers.
India’s Role in the Global Tea Export Market
India has surpassed srilanka in tea exports and has become the second-largest producer of tea in the world and one of the top exporters. According to recent industry reports:
- India produces over 1,350 million kg of tea annually.
- Roughly 10–15% of this is exported to more than 100 countries.
- Major export destinations include Russia, UAE, UK, Iran, USA, and Egypt.
- Assam and Dooars regions contribute over 50% of India’s total tea production.
From my years in the trade, I’ve witnessed how branding, quality control, and logistics have become the pillars of export success. Buyers across the world demand consistency, traceability, and certification, all of which Indian tea producers have evolved to meet.
Tea’s Contribution to the Indian Economy
Tea is not just a beverage—it’s an industry that supports millions in India:
- Directly employs over 1.2 million workers, especially women in rural areas.
- Supports small tea growers (over 2 lakh across the country).
- Boosts rural infrastructure, education, and sustainability through estate welfare programs.
- Is a significant contributor to India’s agri-export economy.
The Tea Board of India and various government schemes have been instrumental in promoting exports, quality certifications (like GI tags), and participation in international trade fairs. I personally benefitted from these initiatives, especially during the initial phases of my export journey.
Final Thoughts: My Vision for the Future of Black Tea
Having dedicated much of my professional life to black tea—particularly Assam’s strong and soulful brew—I believe the future lies in value addition, organic farming, and digital branding. We must tell the story of our tea, its people, and its purity to the world.
For aspiring tea entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: Know your leaf, try to taste the tea yourself ,go and see in factories how it is processed ,respect the craft, and keep learning.
India’s tea is more than a product. It’s our heritage. And as the world rediscovers wellness and authenticity, Indian black tea, especially from Assam, has a golden opportunity to shine brighter than ever before.
