Assam: Bi-Centenary Assam Tea International Conference Celebrates 200 Years of Assam Tea

In order to celebrate the glorious two hundred years of Assam tea, Guwahti celebrated the Bi-Centenary Assam Tea International Conference 2024 at Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati from the 29th – 30th January. 

More than 400 delegates from 24 countries, alongside Indian representatives, gathered to mark this historic event, declared a year-long celebration by the honorable Chief Minister of Assam.

The major focus of this event are on key areas crucial for the future of Assam tea. These include repositioning tea among the younger generation, exploring tea as a wellness beverage, addressing climate change's impact on the industry, and encouraging regenerative agriculture. 

The focus is also on the role of small tea growers, rebranding efforts in e-commerce, and expanding exports to Australia and New Zealand are also on the agenda and presentation on how tea is perceived by the Gen Z and Gen Alpha and using data analytics in enhancing tea exports.

Speaking to India today NE, Atul Asthana, Vice Chairman of TRA Tocklai, said, “It’s a great opportunity, and we are looking forward to this celebration. The honorable Chief Minister of Assam has declared it a year-long celebration. We've been holding events since tea was first planted in Assam, and now, with representatives from 24 countries, it's a big day for us to have this international gathering. Everyone is participating in this glorious celebration of Assam."

The eminent speakers of the BATIC 2024 are Harish Bijoor Brand Guru, Nitin Saluja Founder Chaayos, James Grayland from Wanlin Tea Shanghai, DaneswarPoonyth from FAO Rome, Ganesh Babu Founder of Boomitra, Shabnam Weber President of Tea Association of Canada, Sharyn Johnston, Chair of Australian Tea Association, Dr Sanat Sarangi from TCS, Troy Kim and Thomas Kim from South Korea. 

James Grayland from Wanlin Tea, Shanghai, said, “The celebration here is fantastic, marking the amazing region and its world-leading tea. It's an excellent way to connect with people in the Assam tea industry, across India, and with international delegates. We get to share ideas, explore global trends, and understand what's happening in India. It's been a fantastic opportunity."

Following BATIC 2024, the 25th session of the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea is scheduled at Radisson Blu Hotel from January 31st to February 2nd. This international assembly, under the Food & Agriculture Organization, brings together more than 120 delegates from 25 tea-producing and consuming countries. Due to the pandemic, the session had been postponed since 2020.

The two events are being organized by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Government of Assam, Tea Board of India and in association with Tea Research Association (TRA Tocklai) which is implementing on ground.