This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the global promotion of Assam tea. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry acknowledges Assam tea's international renown for its distinct flavor and briskness, further solidified by the Geographical Indication (GI) status granted to "Assam Orthodox" tea. To increase its international market share and promote its unique qualities, the Tea Board actively promotes Indian tea, including Assam tea, through participation in domestic and international events, branding initiatives, tea tasting and sampling activities, and collaboration with Indian Missions abroad. The Tea Board also addresses concerns about quality standards by publishing a Plant Protection Code (PPC) and conducting regular inspections of manufacturing units and warehouses.
Key Entities Referenced
Assam Tea: A variety of black tea produced in the state of Assam, India, known for its strong flavor and briskness. The policy focuses on its global promotion.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Indian government ministry responsible for international trade and industrial policy, under which the Tea Board operates.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question regarding Assam tea promotion was raised.
MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN: The Member of Parliament who raised the question about the global promotion of Assam tea.
SHRI JITIN PRASADA: The Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry who answered the question about Assam tea promotion.
Tea Board: The regulatory body in India responsible for the development and promotion of the tea industry, including Assam tea.
Geographical Indication: A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Plant Protection Code PPC: A code published by the Tea Board related to compliance visits to tea manufacturing units.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3712
ANSWERED ON 12/08/2025
GLOBAL PROMOTION OF ASSAM TEA
3712. MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री) be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the Assam tea is renowned worldwide, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the steps taken by the Government to increase Assam tea's international market share
and promote its unique qualities globally; and
(c) the manner by which the concerns about weak marketing strategies and challenges in
meeting international quality standards impact the global promotion of Assam tea?
ANSWER
वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a): Assam tea is internationally acclaimed for its distinct flavor, bright liquor, and strong
briskness, making it one of the most sought-after black teas globally. The "Assam Orthodox"
tea has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, further reinforcing its identity as a
premium tea with unique origin-linked attributes.
(b) & (c): Tea Board regularly promotes Indian tea, including Assam Tea, in both domestic
and international markets. Generic promotion of Indian Tea, including Assam Tea, is carried
out by Tea Board through participation in various domestic and international promotional
events, fairs, and exhibitions, branding, tea tasting and tea sampling activities and through
various Indian Missions abroad. In addition, Tea Board regularly publishes the Plant
Protection Code (PPC) and also conducts regular visits & inspections of manufacturing units
& warehouses for quality compliance.
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