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Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge at Delhi offers a wide selection of 32 brews. |
Outlook Lounge Dec, 2011
Tea aficionados can indulge their taste buds at Delhi's newest space for tea obsessives — Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge (Unit No 234. D Mall, near Haldiram's. Netaji Subhash Place. Pitampura; Mobile: 9810164192; see photo; top left). On offer are a wide selection of 32 brews ranging from Indian to international favourites — Green Tea, Organic Tea and Flavored Teas. These include handpicked varieties from Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Sikkim Also expect the best in Chinese, Sri Lankan and Kenyan tea. The lounge aims at providing an unmatched high tea experience in a cheerful and plush ambience. It also offers ample support to deal with hunger pangs from a wide range of Indian and Iranian snacks. You can also buy tea here.
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It's tea time, folks |
Business Standard Dec 5, 2011
There is nothing better than a soothing cup of tea after a long day. But setting up a tea lounge and running it successfully isn't an easy task in a country where every bylane has half a dozen tea stalls doing brisk business off nondescript holes in the walls. While the number of organised tea bars/lounges - a la Barista or a Cafe Coffee Day - can be counted on the fingers of one's hand, there's hope for cuppa lovers.
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'tea'm up for Cuppa at Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge |
Food & Beverages Business Review Nov, 2011
It might be a smart idea to sip and soak at the newly opened Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge, which is a new addition to the capital's beverage bistro scenario. Whether you want to simply unwind or seek to have a one-on-one business meeting, the venue can provide with the ideal setting.
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Wagh Bakri's Parag Desai predicts 5,000 tea in next 5 yrs |
exchange4media Nov 23, 2011
Wagh Bakri Tea, one of India's strong regional brands that is poised to go get national acceptance and is already much popular in international countries too. It is also one of the brands that has taken upon itself to take the beverage beyond the masses and catch the imagination of the youth by opening premium lounges.
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Tea 'licious' |
Dainik Jagran Nov 18, 2011
There is nothing parallel to a hot cup of tea first thing in the morning. If I walk down the memory lane, all I can recall is that my occasional encounter with tea became a regular phenomenon during the college days. Sipping 'chai' sitting in the college, all was too much fun.
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Cheers to tea |
HT Shopper Nov 5, 2011
It's the time to say cheers to tea. Wagh Bakri, an Indian tea brand just launched its first Tea Lounge at D-mall Pitampura.
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Your cup of Tea @ Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge! |
Fashion and Flick Oct 24, 2011
For all the tea lovers, here is some good news for you. Renowned Wagh Bakri Tea Group, recently launched its Tea Lounge in Delhi. Set in an extremely modern and contemporary space in Pitampura with all set to bring a distinctive experience of relaxed tea drinking in a premium ambience.
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'I can't fake things in life' |
Pioneer Oct 23, 2011
She claims whatever she has done and achieved till date has been the best and says she couldn't have asked for more. Basking in the glory of success and popularity of her ongoing television serial Bade Acche Lagte Hai, Sakshi tanwar looked fresh and fully charged up on her recent visit to the Capital to launch a tea lounge by the Wagh Bakri Tea group.
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Spotted |
HTCity Oct 23, 2011
Looking elegant in a sari, television actor Sakshi Tanwar, current on the TV show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, was spotted in the capital on Wednesday afternoon as she launched the Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge at Pitampura.
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Wagh Bakri Group launches tea lounge in New Delhi offering variety of teas |
FNB News Oct 21, 2011
The Wagh Bakri Tea Group has launched its Tea Lounge in New Delhi.
Set in a contemporary space in Pitampura, the lounge is all set to bring a distinctive experience of relaxed tea drinking in a premium ambience.
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Wagh Bakri Tea to invest Rs 70 cr in new plant, marketing |
MSN News Oct 20, 2011
New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) Gujarat-based Wagh Bakri Tea Group today said it is investing around Rs 70 crore to set up a new factory and for marketing activities this year.
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Tea brand Wagh Bakri brews a national plan |
imagesfood Oct 20, 2011
Delhi woke up and smelt the tea this morning. Gujarat-based tea brand Wagh Bakri, which is brewing a retail plan as well as nursing national ambitions, opened its first tea lounge in the Capital. It served an array of handpicked varieties from Darjeeling, the Nilgiris, Sri Lanka and Kenya at the outlet.
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With higher tea production, govt looks towards exports |
Financial World Oct 20, 2011
AT A TIME when tea production in country is ahead by around 33 million kg than last year and domestic demand all surging up, tea companies and government are all showing their concern towards its export.
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Wagh Bakri to invest Rs 70 crore |
Financial Chronicle Oct 20, 2011
Gujarat-based Wagh Bakri Tea Group is investing around Rs 70 crore to set up a new factory and for marketing activities this year. The company is eyeing a 20 per cent jump in its turnover.
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After Mumbai, Wagh Bakri opens tea lounge in Delhi |
Fhria Magazine Oct, 2011
After registering success for its Mumbai outlet at Vile Parle, Wagh Bakri Tea Group recently launched the unique Tea Lounge in Delhi.
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Tea brand Wagh Bakri brews a national plan |
The Hindu Business Line Oct 19, 2011
Delhi woke up and smelt the tea this morning. Gujarat-based tea brand Wagh Bakri, which is brewing a retail plan as well as nursing national ambitions, opened its first tea lounge in the Capital. It served an array of handpicked varieties from Darjeeling, the Nilgiris, Sri Lanka and Kenya at the outlet.
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Wagh Bakri Tea, India's largest privately held tea company, gives Delhi a unique experience to enjoy tea |
Life Style Oct 19, 2011
Launches its first Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge in Delhi, after Mumbai
New Delhi, Oct 19, 2011: The nation which starts its day with a sip of tea has now a reason to rejoice.
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Opening - The Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge |
Oct 19, 2011
Wagh Bakri Tea Group cordially invites you to celebrate the grand opening of the Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge in the presence of ms. Sakshi Tanwar, the reigning actress of small screen & Mr. check Buzzintown for more details.
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Wagh Bakri Tea, India's largest privately held tea company, gives Delhi a unique experience to enjoy tea |
afaqs Oct 19, 2011
The nation which starts its day with a sip of tea has now a reason to rejoice. the most trusted tea brand of the nation, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, today launched the first of its kind Tea Lounge in Delhi.
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Tea brand Wagh Bakri brews a national plan |
HBL Oct 19, 2011
Delhi work up and smelt the tea this morning. Gujarat-based tea brand Wagh Bakri, which is brewing a retail plan as well as nursing national ambitions, opened its first tea lounge in the Capital.
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Wagh Bakri Tea, India's largest privately held tea company, gives Delhi a unique experience to enjoy tea |
APN NEWS Oct 19, 2011
New Delhi: The nation which starts its day with a sip of tea has now a reason to rejoice. The most trusted tea brand of the nation, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, today launched the first of its kind Tea Lounge in Delhi . Set in an extremely modern and contemporary space in Pitampura, The Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge is all set to bring a distinctive experience of relaxed tea drinking in a premium ambience.
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All in the Family |
Brand Equity 27 July, 2011
Armed with foreign degrees and new-age best practices, sons and daughters are attempting to difference to long-established consumer brands.
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Many brands find the transition tough to handle and the reasons are many |
Viveat Susan Pinto / Mumbai 20 July, 2011
Waghbakri tea is a known name in Gujarat.
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Marketing sutras from regional champions |
Pitch Exclusive 12 July, 2011
The third largest tea company with 7.5 per cent market share is Ahmedabad based Wagh Bakri Tea Group. The paradoxical brand name like Wagh Bakri, have managed to survive in the market, riding high on a different thinking and distinct marketing approach.
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Monsoon set to cool galloping tea prices |
Business Line Mumbai 4 July, 2011
Tea consumers might get a temporary respite from galloping prices in the coming months. Tea brands are looking forward to a good monsoon which might help them in reducing prices in the short term. "The price trend in teas will be clear once all the tea is sold in the auctions in the next 2-3 months after the monsoon, says Mr Chinmoy Bandhopadhay, Controller of Licensing, Tea Board of India.
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Wagh Bakri may cut tea prices on better crop |
Business Line Mumbai 1 July, 2011
The Rs 550-crore Gujarat Tea Processors & Packers, the makers of Wagh Bakri tea, is looking forward to reducing prices in the next few months. Tea as a commodity has been witnessing a rise in prices, by 25 to 30 per cent, over the past two years.
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A MentorEdge for budding bizmen |
DNA Correspondent Ahmedabad 20 June, 2011
Ciie had Organised a Group Mentoring session for budding entrepreneurs
The Center for Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at IIM-A, under its initiative MentorEdgr, had organised a group Mentoring session for budding entrepresession for budding entrepreneurd on saturday. the session targeted at ideating and helping upcoming entrepreneurs to start up their new ventures.
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Wagh Bakri Tea Group launches mili, Navchetan tea in Vidarbha region |
Lokmat Times 14 June, 2011
The Wagh Bakri Tea Group today launched the mili Tea Carton and Navchetan Tea in Nagpur for Vidarbha Market.
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Wagh Bakri on expansion drive |
Hindu Business line 8 June, 2011
Ahmedabad-based Wagh Bakri Tea Group is on an expansion drive and has plans to set up a packaging unit in Dubai in addition to launching its second factory in Gujarat in around six month's time.
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Eyeing 20% of Pune's Packaged tea market |
Pune Sakaal Time, 7 June, 2011
Wagh Bakri Tea Group from Gujarat, which has a meagre seven percent market share in the packaged tea segment in Pune region, on Tuesday announced the launch of a slew of new products, including Wagh Bakri Masala Chai and a range of staple free tea bags in carton packs, to help take its share to 20% by this year end.
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Wagh Bakri: an early start helps |
Sakaal Times 7 June, 2011
It has been almost two decades since the Internet arrived in India. However, online trading is still to find popularity among the masses.
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Wagh Bakri Tea lines up major expansion plans |
Michael Gonsalves Pune 7 June, 2011
INDIA'S third largest packages tes maker, the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, plans to set up a new production and packaging plant near Dholka, Ahmedabad, in six to eight months with an investment of Rs 40 crore along with another facility in west Asia to boost exports.
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Wagh Bakri Eyes 12% Market Share in 5 YRS |
Business Standard Ahmedabad 6 June, 2011
Gujarat's leading tea supplier to expand capacity, offer new products
Gujarat leading packaged tea marke, the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Plans to take its national market share from the current 7.5% to 12% in the next three to five years.
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Times Food Award |
Ahmedabad Time 5 Apr, 2011
Best Italian Cuisine: La Feasta Awarded By: Entrepreneur Parag Desai.
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Tea therapy: To lose weight, don't add milk to your cuppa |
The Times of India, March 29, 2011
London: Its a known fact that tea contains antioxidants that help you lose weight,but a new research led by an Indian scientist found that this fat-fighting ability is neutralised if milk is added to it.
It has long been found that tea contains high levels of antioxidant such as theaflavins and thearubigins which help reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the gut and can also cut cholesterol.
Now,researchers at the Tea Research Association in Assam,India,found the compounds also help prevent obesity when given to rats that were on a highfat diet.
The benefits are cancelled out by proteins found in cows milk,they said.When tea is taken with milk,theaflavins and thearubigins form complexes with the milk protein,which causes them to precipitate, Devajit Borthakur, a scientist at the Tea Research Association,said.Therefore,it is always advised to take tea without milk, he said.
The scientists at the centre are now looking for ways of making the antioxidants less susceptible to being neutralised by milk.
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Guj Inc to balance cricket and work |
Ahmedabad Mirror 15 Feb, 2011
The findings of ASSOCHAM survey notwithstanding, several companies are setting up giant screens in offices so that the employees can enjoy World Cup during work.
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Taste of a century |
Indus Age, February 2011
The Wagh Bakri Tea company believes in building relationships over a cuppa
IT IS ALWAYS INTERESTING and inspiring to learn about a successful entrepreneur. Ant it gets even better when the story focuses on a century long Indian-born business
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Wagh Bakri to enter African, Middle East markets |
DNA Money, Feb 7, 2011
Company's export rises despite a fall in India's annual tea export
Gujarat-based packaged tea manufacturer, Wagh Bakri Group with a good hold over the domestic market, plans to foray into new markets overseas. Having already entered markets like UK and North America, the company now plans to enter Africa and Middle East region.
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Ahmedabad Mirror CII meet to empower SMEs |
Ahmedabad Mirror 4 Feb, 2011
Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau
In market, consumer is the king. Keeping this basic rule in mind, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organising a conference on 'Best Marketing Practices' in the city on Saturday.
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CII-Gujarat to host conference on best marketing practices |
BS Reporter / Mumbai/ Ahmedabad 4 Feb, 2011
In a bid to identify trends and customer needs, the Gujarat Council of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be organising a conference on best marketing practices' to be held in Ahmedabad on February 5 2011.
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Mr. Parag Desai, Executive Director on Tea & reading |
Businessworld, Jan 11, 2011
'Six Thinking Hats' by Edward De Bono is a book not particular to any sector because it is useful to every person and organisation who need to multi-task, says Parag Desai
What are you reading at the moment? What did you recently finish reading? What have you learnt from it?
Currently I am reading Autobiography Of A Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda. Paramhansa Yogananda was an Indian Yogi who left the shores of India in 1920 to impart the realisation of God to the people of the West. The author's vivid imagery of his experience in cosmic consciousness, is to be read to be believed.
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Wagh Bakri keen to spread wings |
Business Standard, Oct 14, 2010
To add 50% capacity in Gujarat
Gujarat's leading packaged tea manufacturer Wagh Bakri Group is planning to increase its current manufacturing/blending capacity by around 50 per cent in the state. Wagh Bakri, which has currently a 25 million kilogram (kg) manufacturing facility at Dholka near Ahmedabad that is operating at 100 per cent capacity, would add around 12.5 million kg capacity at unit in Dholka and another in Nadiad.
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From Tea To Chai |
Business World, Sep 13, 2010
In the fight for market share for packaged tea, regional tea brands are inching ahead
Tea is a poor man’s food,” says Pravin Bhansali, the septuagenarian tea taster and director at Girnar Food and Beverages. What can be glossed over as words of wisdom from an industry veteran, is giving multinationals a lot to chew on.
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Ahmedabad Mirror - Tie Entrepreneurship Challenge |
Ahmedabad Mirror, June 18, 2010
TEAMS RETURN WEALTHIER, WISER
The 36-hour entrepreneurship challenge ended on Thursday, with all the four teams showing profit. Everyone was a winner as apart from learning art of making money, they gained valuable field experience.
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A lot can happen over a cuppa: Wagh Bakri brew gets stronger |
The Economic Times, February 10, 2010
Shramana Ganguly Mehta, ET Bureau
AHMEDABAD: During the peak of Greg Chappell and Sourav Ganguly controversy there was one regional brand that was secretly attempting to get them
together over a cuppa. The brand, afterall, stood for bringing rivals together, and even its name was carefully chosen to represent the philosophy. While the coach-captain meet that did not materialise, it was around the time when Wagh Bakri, the Rs 400-crore brand synonymous with tea in Gujarat, decided to take a plunge in the national arena to compete with heavyweights including Tata and HUL.
Wagh (tiger) Bakri (goat), the tea brand that today sells 25 million kg of tea annually against HUL and Tata who have a share of about 80 million kg each, was set up in 1925. Unusual as it may seem, but the brand actually projects a tiger and goat sharing a saucer of tea, perhaps a reflection of the times in pre-independent India when harmony was of prime importance.
Today, for 11 million tea cups that are sipped everyday across the country, there is one man in Gujarat who smiles as many times. Piyush Desai, the CMD of Gujarat Tea Processors & Packers Ltd that promotes the Wagh Bakri tea brand is gung-ho about reaching out to as many Indians as possible with his tea brand even as it jostles for space in the national arena with the biggies including Tata Tea , Brooke Bond, Red Label, et al.
"Although WB is small compared to the biggies and is number three in the market, the word-of-mouth publicity by its consumers will help the brand stand the mights of Tata & HUL. Our unmatched flavor and consistency will help us find new customers in new markets," Desai believes. Mahesh Manjawala, executive director, Triton Communications, who has been associated with the brand since last five years now, believes the brand is the one of the most respected brands that the region has ever seen. "Its loyalists cut across all class of the society & consistency in its taste has helped it be the market leader," he remarks. The reason why WB scores over others is because of the efforts that go behind selecting and blending the best teas from Darjeeling tea estates, Assam and Nilgiri. A seasoned tea taster himself, Desai and other company directors have taken upon themselves the task to select the best tea from numerous samples that come to their tea tasting room every morning. "We have been able to maintain consistency in our tea by ensuring that it reaches the customer within one-and-half month from date of production," Desai explains. With vast experience of blending and tasting, the company has mastered the skill of blending 25 to 40 varieties of tea.
As WB gains foothold in Maharashtra which has equally strong regional players like Society, Girnar & Sapat, its competitors have pulled up their socks. Says Harendra Shah, director of Girnar Food & Beverages Pvt Ltd, "We see no threat from WB considering 60% of our turnover comes from exports & do not see our loyal customers leave us. However, we have recently ventured in Gujarat market with two retail outlets and expect to grab a share of the market eliminating the weaker players of the region." Shah says unlike the Maharashtra market where there are multiple players (which might make the journey difficult for WB), Gujarat has just one market leader in tea business.
From a modest beginning in 1919 when Late Narandas Desai (Piyush Desai’s grandfather) set up a small retail outlet The Gujarat Tea Depot Co. in Ahmedabad. WB, the brand, was born was born in 1925. "He owned a tea estate in South Africa but made India his karmabhoomi upon a call from Mahatma Gandhi after facing racial discrimination," Desai says. The brand is the uncontested market leader in Gujarat selling about 15-18 million kg of tea annually (of the 70 million kg per annum consumed here) and has been able to withstand competition from the big layers owing to the strong brand loyalty of its customers, says director Parag Desai. The 36-year-old who handles sales, brand marketing and exports has taken the brand to MP, Rajasthan, Maharastra, Goa and recently launched it in Delhi, with about 1,70,000 retail outlets stocking it.
While the brand has attempted to educate the Mumbai consumer about tea through a WB Tea Lounge and claims to have covered 90% of the Maharashtra market already, it confesses to facing competition from regional brands like Society, Girnar & Sapat in the state. |
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Wagh Bakri to use Delhi as gateway to go national |
Business Standard New Delhi , 30 Aug, 2009
Shahana Joshi |
The century-old Wagh Bakri tea group has decided to start its operations in North India and plans to use Delhi as its gateway to setting up a national footprint. “People in Delhi certainly love their tea — more than what we see in Mumbai and other cities. Quality tea and consistency is what this brand promises,” said Parag Desai, CEO of the Wagh Bakri group, who also plans to open a tea lounge in this city.
 The company’s advertising and promotion is being handled by Triton and Percept. And, in another six months, India can expect to see Wagh Bakri’s first television and print advertisements. Which will be mainly female-centric, as women are about 60 per cent of their customers, notes Desai. He says there will be no filmstars or famous brand ambassadors to promote the product.
However, the Rs 400-crore company, which is aiming at a five per cent market share in North India by 2010, has many hurdles to cross. Wagh Bakri tea, a family-owned regional company, is the leader in Gujarat, where it has a 50 per cent market share.
The group also has operations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
The North Indian market, though, is dominated by national brands like Tata Tea and Brooke Bond. Tata Tea’s executive director, marketing, Sangeeta Talwar, adds, “Competition from domestic brands is a possibility but it would take a long time.”
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Three cups of tea a day 'can cut heart attack risk by 70%' |
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:01 AM on 22nd May, 2009
Drinking three cups of tea a day can ward off heart attacks, a dietician has claimed.
The beverage could even have anti-cancer properties, a review of previous research suggests.
The link between coronary heart disease and tea has been the subject of a large number of studies.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, a member of the Tea Advisory Panel, analysed some of these, which highlighted the effectiveness of naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids in combating heart attacks.
One Finnish study found men who drank more than two cups of tea a day had a 21 per cent reduced chance of stroke.
French research showed that women who drank more than three cups a day had a 32 per cent lower risk of blocked arteries.
Dr Ruxton said the research showed at least three cups of tea a day can lower the risk of a heart attack by up to 70 per cent.
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Tea could prevent heart
attacks, thanks
to flavonoids -
naturally occurring
compounds - which may
control inflammation
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She said: 'We are not sure of the exact mechanism, but it is
thought that tea flavonoids could be involved in controlling inflammation, reducing thrombosis, promoting blood vessel function and helping to limit furring up of the arteries.'
The studies found tea may be 'a useful addition to an anti-cancer diet', she added, but further research was needed.
Dr Ruxton said: 'Tea may be a national favourite but it also has health benefits thanks to its high flavonoid content.
'My research shows there is a growing amount of evidence which indicates tea can play a role in helping to combat cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke.
'This area of research is very exciting for the future. We also found solid evidence of tea helping to boost cognitive function and reduce stress, probably related to tea's modest caffeine content.
'Some interesting research on the role of tea flavonoids in helping to combat certain neurological conditions is emerging.'
She added: 'Research shows you do not need to drink gallons of tea to get real improvements just three or four cups of tea a day are enough.'
Dr Catherine Hood, another Tea Advisory Panel member, said: 'The scientific community is learning more and more about tea and its health properties.
'Studies show that there are some very powerful ingredients in tea that can play a hugely important role in protecting the body from some serious and potentially fatal conditions.
'A cuppa is a great way to relax or unwind but could also give your health a crucial boost.
'Just a few cups a day have been shown to help and drinking more isn't a problem either as up to eight cups a day have been shown to be fine.'
Tea is the most consumed drink after water with 131,150 tons of tea consumed in the UK in 2006/07.
Nearly eight in ten adults drink an average of 2.3 mugs a day.
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Global tea shortage estimate raised to 100 million kg |
Business Standard Kolkata, Apr 22, 2009
Ishita Ayan Dutt
Global tea shortage has risen to unprecedented levels. The deficit is being pegged at 80-100 million kg for the three major producing countries — India, Sri Lanka and Kenya.
These three countries account for 80 per cent of the total black tea production. The last major shortfall took place in 1999, which also recorded peak prices, but that was restricted to India.
Taking the pipeline deficit and crop loss into account, the scenario could be worse for India.
The country has started the season with a pipeline deficit of nearly 25 million kg and taking into account the shortage of further 20 million kg this year, it would be nearly 5 per cent of India’s crop. This is alarming for India, which is a net exporter of tea.
Industry sources said, this was the first time that the shortage was across all tea producing countries.
According to estimates for 2008 for India, production is pegged at 960 million kg, exports at 200 million kg, imports at 20 million kg and consumption at 825 million kg.
Azam Monem, former chairman, Calcutta Tea Traders Association (CTTA), the only licensed and official organiser of public tea auctions in Kolkata, said, the shortfall in April in north India alone was to the tune of 15-20 million kg, which was around 40-50 per cent lower than normal production in the same period.
Taking the pipeline deficit of 25 million kg into account, the deficit in north India comes to around 45 million kg. In south India, the shortfall in March was to the tune of 14 million kg.
Ullas Menon, secretary general, United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI), said, the shortfall was around 14 million kg up to March, down 35 per cent and this would be carried forward into April.
India alone is staring at a initial shortfall of around 60 million kg. Industry representatives said, for north India, the crop loss in March and April was unlikely to be covered in the following months.
Monem said, “This cannot be covered in May-July. The only period when it can be covered is October-December.”
Not surprisingly, prices were up in the market. Prices for Dooars teas were higher by Rs 25-30 to Rs 125-140 per kg, while Assam tea was selling higher by Rs 20 to Rs 120-145 per kg. South Indian tea prices were higher by Rs 8-9 per kg.
The shortage on account of global warming is also acute in Sri Lanka. In the first two months of the season, production has dropped to a 10-year low at around 25 million kg.
For Kenya, the drop is around 5.6 million kg, but the country is carrying a deficit of 30 million kg into the year, on account of last year’s drought.
Monem said, the second flush of prices in May would be very strong on account of the shortage. |
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Darjeeling tea industry hit by drought |
Business Standard Kolkata, Mar 19, 2009
Severe drought conditions have adversely affected Darjeeling's tea industry, which was earlier hit by an ongoing struggle for autonomy in the region.
Darjeeling Tea Association President Sanjay Bansal told PTI that although the garden unions owing allegiance to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had unconditionally withdrawn their demands on March 14, the drought conditions may hit the output.
Although there was no embargo on movement of tea in Darjeeling at the moment, the drought could ruin the crop prospect. |
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Dry spell delays tea crop |
Business Standard Kolkata, Mar 19, 2009
Ishita Ayan Dutt
The new tea crop is delayed by about two weeks because of an unusual dry spell in the tea growing areas of Dooars in north Bengal and the northern bank of Upper Assam, indicating that the crop may actually be lower than the projections.
Since November, Dooars, Cachar and the northern bank of Upper Assam have had no rains, resulting in a near drought-like situation. The northern bank of Upper Assam was the only region to have received rains and the only first flush tea came from the region.
However, industry representatives said, even the northern bank was now high and dry. “Normally there are continuous rains after the first shower, but that has not happened,” said sources.
As of now, the industry was expecting the new crop to hit the market two weeks from now. Basudeb Banerjee, chairman, Tea Board of India, said that the board would wait till April 15 and then decide whether it was necessary to revise crop projects. The projections for 2008 are production of 962 million kg, exports of 200 million kg, imports of 20 million kg and consumption of 825 million kg.
Azam Monem, former chairman, Calcutta Tea Traders Association, the only licensed and official organiser of public tea auctions in Kolkata, said that last two auctions were dropped as there were no new arrivals and old teas.
December production, were dearer by Rs 3-5 per kg, over the last sale at the auctions, and Rs 15-20 per kg higher than the same period last year.
Tea produced in December were averaging at Rs 90-95 a kg for Dooars and Assam teas. Last seasons started with a shortfall of six million kg and this season was expected to start with a 20 million kg shortfall.
However, if the dry spell continued, then the shortfall could climb.
Monem said that the situation was pretty much the same for south India. “Africa has also not received rains and it seems that there is a global climatic change,” he said.
Some of the industry representative said that unlike last year when any tea was being sold for very high prices, the desperation this time was not at the same level. “One reason could be that people had planned for the shortage,” said representatives. |
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Assam plans relief for dry spell losses |
The Economic Times Kolkata, Mar 19, 2009
Bikash Singh
THE state government is busy readying a relief package as Assam is witnessing unprecedented dry spell for the past four months. The package will be sent to the Election Commission (EC) for clearance as model of code is in place.
 Tea bushes across the state are taking a beating owing to scanty rainfall. In many places, planters have resorted to artificial irrigation. The first flush of tea that was expected this month, may get slightly delayed, fear planters. The dry spell is likely to affect rabi crops and boro paddy. The fall of ground water level will also affect summer crops.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday said the state is working on relief measures to fight the situation.
If cleared by the EC, the measures will include supply of drinking water and irrigation facilities.
“I am hopeful that the EC will clear the same. The meteorological predications are not very encouraging. This is a case of climate change. Dry spell, however, is not going to impact the polls,” said Mr Gogoi.
Guwahati is facing an acute water shortage. Craters have developed on agricultural land in several places. The state has asked deputy commissioners to prepare a report on the damages suffered by farmers.
Assam government has identified rampant felling of trees and cutting of lush hill-sides as some of the major factors that have contributed to this situation. Mr Gogoi said the government has already initiated steps to protect large natural water bodies. The government is likely to come up with a law to deal with the menace of hill cutting in Guwahati. |
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Hill unrest to cripple tea industry: Govt |
Hindustan Times Live Kolkata, Mar 18, 2009
Pramod Giri
WEST BENGAL chief secretary Ashok Mohan Chakravarti on Tuesday said the tea industy in Darjeeling hills is going through a very serious crisis following the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's (GJM) threat to collect taxes from gardens. The GJM has also demanded that Darjeeling tea packages be labelled as produce of Gorkhaland.
Chakravarti who was here on Tuesday to attend police and administration meeting said if the Darjeeling Terai Dooars Plantation Labour union (DTDPLU) affiliated with the GJM imposes its agitation then the entire tea industry in the Hills would suffer a heavy loss including the possibility of closure.
Addressing a news conference after the meeting at the circuit house, the chief secretary said tea planters who met him are worried as they cannot send their first flush tea. which fetches highest price at the market.
The problem created by the DTDPLU has dealt a serious blow and if the tea does not come to the market in a day or two many gardens would be closed throwing more than 50,000 workers out of job, he said. Without naming DTDPLU. the home secretary said, "Trade unions have a right to carry out an agitation but their demands should not be illegal and unreasonable."
The labour union's charter of demands include tea tourism to be run by locals, locals to be recruited for managerial posts and tea produced in the Hills be labelled as a produce of Gorkhaland. The GJM had also threatened to collect taxes from tea gardens. The DTDPLU has temporarily suspended its agitation till the Lok Sabha elections are over.
Chakravarti said the state government is also concerned about the recent poolitical troubles including ethnic tension in Siliguri and Dooars. "Though the situation in the Dooars is peaceful, the police have been clearly instructed to ensure that there is no further trouble in the area during the elections." he said.
Tha chief secretary added that the state has requisitioned 230 companies of central paramilitary forces for the ensuing polls. Chakravarti also made it clear that it is not possible for the state to meet i he four point demands of Akhil Bharatis'a Adivasi Vikash Parishad (ABAVP) by March 31.
Speaking about closed tea gardens. Chakravarti said the state wants to open closed units. However, this cannot be done unless the lease of the tea garden is cancelled and transferred to another owner.
He added that though the process for reopening ol Samsing tea estate is on. no time frame could be fixed.
The chief secretary also met temporary employees of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council demanding their regularisation. When asked about their demand. Chakravarti said the process would be speeded up after polls. |
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Tea output dips on warm weather |
The Financial Express Kolkata, Mar 18, 2009
Rajesh Ravi
After North Bengal, now the tea producers of southern India are bearing the brunt of early onset of summers. Scanty rains in the first two months of the current year have pulled down tea production in South India by 30%, the United Planters' Association of South India (UPASI) sources said.
Production in Nilgiris was constrained in December due to the frost and then the continuous drought in the following months saw production coming down rapidly. "Absence of rain and dry heat in the plantation regions of South India saw lesser availability of tea leaves forcing many tea factories to cut down production shifts," sources said.
Production is reported to be down in January by 2.5 million kg in South India Upasi sources said.
In February, the production dropped by more than 39%, which is around 5-6 million kg lesser than last years production of 16.4 million kg. For the whole of India, production fell nominally from 21.62 million in January 2008 to 21.52 million kg in January 2009. "The arrivals in auctions were affected by the shortfall in production. The impact was felt more in the export category where demand is felt for the leaf variety," Ajith MK of Cochin Tea Buyers Association said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) centre in Trivandrum has reported that the mean temperature in Kerala has recorded an increase of 2-3 degree Centigrade in February over the previous year.
Wayanad and Idukki did not receive any rains in January and February. "The production will recoup the shortfall in the coming months," N Sriram, Contemporary Tea Auctioneers. Many parts of the Niligiris received rains during the second week of March. "The arrivals will take time to recoup the shortfall. Supply will be back to the normal level by the third week of April given that the production areas receive adequate rains in March," Ajith said. "The market has also firmed due to the shortfall by 25-30%," he added.
"Higher auction rates for tea are seen affecting the export market as Kenyan crop is reported to be better than the previous year," Sriram said.
According to the Tea Board, exports declined to 12.69 million kg in January, compared with 16.89 million kg in the year-ago period. In value terms, the shipment has declined by about 9% to Rs 150.78 crore against Rs 165.12 crore in the review period. Sriram sees the export market regaining the lost shares in the coming days with more volumes exported to Egypt and Pakistan.
India produced 981 million kg of tea in 2008 when compared to 945 million kg in 2007. Exports touched 196 million kg for the year as compared to 179 million kg of the previous year. This year exports are expected to just rise marginally to 200 million kg, down from the earlier estimate of 205 million kg. |
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India trims tea exports target by 5% |
The Economic Times Kolkata, Mar 18, 2009
INDIA has pruned its tea exports estimate for this fiscal by 5% to 200 million kg citing poor supply from the southern region but expects the output to meet forecast.
 “We think tea exports may touch just about 200 million kg as compared to the earlier projection of 210 million kg. But production may touch the target of 960 million kg,” Tea Board chairman Basudeb Banerjee said.
India, the world’s second largest tea producer, shipped 157.78 million kg of tea abroad till January this fiscal, while the production was 912.45 million kg. The country exported 179 million kg of tea in 2007-08 and produced 945 million kg.
Tea exports already have come under pressure with shipment in January slumping by 25% to 12.69 million kg compared to 16.89 million kg in the same period last year, according to the data available with the Kolkata-based Tea Board.
The decline in the availability of tea from the southern part of the country impacted exports especially in January, even as output did not decline accordingly. Usually the supply from the northern region declines towards January and shipment hinges upon that from the south, Mr Banerjee said. However, an industry official said even the new target of 200 million kg is hard to meet as supply from southern India is set to be low till the end of this fiscal.
Earlier, the board had expected the exports to touch 210 million kg this fiscal aided by the resolution of trade-related disputes with Iraq, a major importer and a decline in output in the largest exporting nation Kenya.
India had expected to export around 20 million kg of tea to Iraq this fiscal and expected to cash in on the shortfall of around 40 million kg in tea production in Kenya. India is the largest producer of black tea in the world though China remains the top tea producer with an estimated output of 1,094 million kg in 2007.
Kenya is the third largest tea producer in the world with output pegged at 369.61 million kg in 2007. However, it led the pack of exporters with an estimated exports of 345.88 million kg in 2007-08 due to less domestic consumption. India remained at the fourth position in 2007-08, behind Kenya, Sri Lanka and China. |
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Wagh-Bakri Group to buy 4 tea plantations for Rs 50 cr |
The Hindu Ahmedabad, Dec 10, 2007
Virendra Pandit
With the aim of expanding its market and increase its current turnover of Rs 260 crore to Rs 375 crore by 2010, the Wagh-Bakri Tea Group is planning to expand capacities and buy four tea plantations for nearly Rs 50 crore in the near future.
The third largest tea manufacturer in the country is also launching three varieties of ready-to-drink ice tea packs on lines of packed fruit juices, priced at around Rs 12 a pack, by mid-2008,
Mr Piyush Desai, Chairman and Managing Director, Gujarat Tea Processors and Packers Ltd, which owns the Wagh-Bakri brands, told reporters here.
Whole night tea parlours
The century-old company is also launching a chain of 10 tea parlours, known as “Whole night tea parlours,” at select places in Ahmedabad to popularise and sell quality tea and biscuits for Rs 5
a cup from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Currently, the Wagh-Bakri brand is sold mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It recently launched ‘Perfect,’ a premium brand, in Mumbai which would be sold in other parts of Maharashtra soon. “By the end of 2008, our brands will be available in more than 20 towns and cities of Maharashtra.”
At Wagha Border
Mr Desai said the company, which procures raw material from a number of sources and blends and packs them at their plant in Dholka, Ahmedabad district, is also toying with the idea to set up a national-level tea production unit at the Wagha Border to promote harmony between India and Pakistan.
To make tea sold by roadside stalls hygienic, Mr Desai said, Wagh-Bakri and tea other companies had suggested to the Centre to legally ensure that tea is sold in quality paper cups.
He said the Indian tea industry has grown 21 per cent during 2007. The company, having a production capacity of one lakh kg (10 lakh packets) per day, sells around 180 lakh kg annually. The company is planning to expand its production and round-the-year storage capacity also.
Wagh Bakri enjoys a 50 per cent market share in Gujarat, 20 per cent in Rajasthan and 10-15
per cent in Madhya Pradesh. The brand has a global presence in more than 32 countries,
Mr Desai added.
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