Price of Darjeeling variety rose to Rs 1,273 per kg last week due to supply hit leading to influx of duty-free Nepalese tea. Darjeeling tea has turned almost four times costlier in a year, with the average price Rs 1,273 per kg last week, rising to an escalation that traders blamed on the ongoing political unrest in the hills which has hit supplies of the commodity.
Traders said the price rise has also led to an influx of Nepalese tea, which is being sold as Darjeeling tea at a premium price. "Nepalese tea sellers are appointing one dealer or agent here who has a local GST number. Through them they are selling the tea and paying the 5 per cent GST to the agents or dealers here. They are ready to shell out the extra buck as they are getting better prices for their teas in India due to the shortage of Darjeeling tea," said SS Bagaria, former chairman of Darjeeling Tea Association.
As per industry estimates, 2-2.5 million kg of Nepalese tea has entered India. India has a free trade agreement with Nepal, under which Nepalese tea does not incur any import duty in India. Tea from Nepal looks similar to Darjeeling tea and even packers and blenders find it difficult to tell them apart. However, the difference becomes apparent when the tea is brewed. Traders said that although importers bring in tea from Nepal, the tea gets distributed in the system as Darjeeling tea. "This is where it hurts Darjeeling tea," said Bagaria.
Wagh Bakri Tea Group introduces its Instant Tea in two variants - Wagh Bakri Instant Express Tea & Wagh Bakri Instant Saffron Tea. The two new variants strengthen the Wagh Bakri instant premix range of already existing flavours of Masala, Elaichi, Ginger and Lemongrass.
These Instant Tea variants will get you the same refreshing and universaltaste of Wagh Bakri Tea. This range is also available in ‘No Added Sugar’ variant for the health conscious consumer.
“We were overwhelmed with the love that our Flavoured Instant Tea got when they were launched. We are launching Instant Express tea since there are a lot of people who enjoy their tea for its natural flavour. However, the flavour and preference of tea differs from one region to another. So, cracking the right and the universal taste was the biggest challenge that the team faced,” said Parag Desai, Executive Director, Wagh Bakri Tea Group.
Wagh Bakri Instant Tea is a modern travel essential for the ones who never compromise on their cup of tea. The instant tea formula is also called the three-in-one formula because it contains Milk Solids, Tea and Sugar. Just pour the premix in a cup, add hot water and your tea is ready. The new variants are based on strong consumer demand and serves as an organic expansion to the category.
The Instant Tea range is competitively priced. A box of 10 sachets of Instant Express Tea is priced at Rs. 140 and a box of 10 sachets of Instant Saffron Tea is priced at Rs. 200. Wagh Bakri Tea stands for quality and consistency in taste.The new and exciting range is available at all leading stores and online purchase can be made on www.buytea.com.
Wagh Bakri Tea is the 3rd largest packaged tea company in India with a turnover of over Rs. 1500 Cr. and over 40 million Kgs of tea distribution.
Health-beverage brand Ausum is offering a range of plant-based, cruelty-free blends with real, ethically sourced ingredients for everyday wellness.
“By introducing dairy-free, plant-based and quick DIY lattes, Ausum aims to make a part of a plant-based diet convenient and accessible for all. The lattes also come in biodegradable packaging as sustainability is a core value at Ausum and we ensure it at every step of the way from sourcing to packaging,” said Mayura Rao, CEO and Founder, Ausum.
Chocolatte comes with the not-so-sweet taste of pure, unprocessed Indian cacao beans, plant-based milk powder and ancient Indian spices for immunity boost. Spiced Turmeric Latte is your golden elixir haldi milk with the superpowers of plant-based ingredients to heal you from within. Reishi Mushroom and ashwagandha for stress support, cacao for mood improvement, turmeric to build you from within and Indian spices with healing properties. These new lattes are available on the brand’s website getausum.com/collections/ausum-super-latte.
“When hunger pangs hit you between meals or before bed, or you find yourself slumped at 3 pm, a Super Latte will come to your aid. There are no caffeine-crashes, no jitters, no side effects. We have kept it to a minimal 100 calories a cup and ensured that the concoction is 100% natural. It is a complete beverage in a sachet where you just add water and consume,” added Mayura Rao.
With non-plastic cornstarch tea bags and biodegradable packaging, Ausum is committed to making health and the environment better with each sip.
The Darjeeling tea industry has incurred a loss of Rs 250 crore due to the ongoing shutdown called by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha(GJM) which entered the 26th day today.
Binod Mohan, Chairman, Darjeeling Tea Association, told PTI, "The second flush tea is premium tea which is mostly exported. There is no production of the tea since the shutdown started. The expected loss will be Rs 250 crore."
He said that the second flush season will last for another week.
The variety is most sought after in the international markets and overseas buyers are very upset with the ongoing situation in the hills.
He said, "We fear that the overseas buyers may shift to other countries to fill in the vacuum. If this continues, they might even lose interest in the Darjeeling second flush variety."
He further added, "The industry hopes that the all-party meeting called tomorrow at Darjeeling will give relaxation to the tea gardens."
A total of 87 gardens are located in Darjeeling owned by 30 different companies producing 8.5 million kg of tea.
He said, "The workers were also in distress as there are ration supplies. They must be managing somehow."
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