Relief for Western India tea dealers as rain lashes plantations

KOLKATA: Western India tea dealers, who were concerned over the supply of tea from Assam and Bengal only a few days back, have heaved a sigh of relief as rains have lashed two major tea producing regions of the country — Assam and Bengal after a long dry spell that has affected the first flush production. 

The western India retail trade which was anticipating that a rise was imminent , has now decided to remain on a wait and watch mode till July when they will consider whether to jack up prices. 

Western India is one of the largest domestic markets for Indian tea. Western India tea consumption has crossed the national average of 733 gram/capita and is hovering around 900 gram/capita . The tea industry is aiming to achieve a 1kg/ capita consumption in western India where companies like Wagh Bakri, Society, Dhunseri Tea and Girnar are major players.