The scope for higher export of south Indian teas is huge, said Dipak Shah, convenor of a national convention on South India Teas held in Coimbatore on March 7 and 8.
Organised by the Tea Trade Association of Coimbatore, the Tea Board India, the United Planters Association of Southern India, the Federation of All India Tea Traders’ Association, and the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, the two-day event had over 250 participants.
Mr. Shah said that of the 200 million kg of teas exported by India annually, almost 40 % were south Indian teas. And, of the total teas produced in south India, 30%-40% were exported. Iraq, Iran, Russia, the US and west African countries were among the major buyers of south Indian teas.
“This year, there is a 5 % to 7 % growth,” he said.
The scope is huge for orthodox teas, added an official of the Tea Board.
Production of orthodox tea was high in the Nilgiris almost two decades ago. The difference in price between south Indian teas and Sri Lankan teas is almost $ 1 and with Sri Lankan tea turning expensive, the demand is growing for south Indian teas. There are some estates that produce both, orthodox and CTC teas. To tap the overseas opportunities, production of orthodox teas should increase in the south.
Dubai buys almost 50 million kg of teas from India as it repacks and exports. With more export-friendly norms, India can increase its tea exports, added Mr. Shah.
