Leaders of the tea business, officials from apex groups, and Tea Boards from the biggest tea-producing countries in Asia came together in Kolkata for the Asia Tea Alliance (ATA). This esteemed occasion, which takes place once a year, aims to address the issues confronting the tea sector and provide a common course for growth that is both equitable and sustainable. The Indian Tea Association and Solidaridad, a global sustainability organization, hosted this year’s event.

Important tea associations as well as members from the Tea Boards of Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, China, India, and Sri Lanka attended the summit. With the shared goal of developing a robust and sustainable tea industry throughout Asia, ATA has emerged as a key forum for cooperation, policy formation, and information sharing among the region’s tea-producing nations.

As part of its dedication to tackling the changing difficulties facing the tea industry, the Asia International Tea Summit offered a forum for in-depth talks on important topics such as market volatility, sustainability, and the effects of climate change on tea production. These conversations emphasized the critical need for regional coordination to strengthen resilience and advance the financial well-being of smallholders, who are the foundation of the sector.

The increasing significance of carbon trading options, their alignment with global sustainability goals, and the use of innovation and technology to improve tea quality were all highlighted at the summit. ATA members investigated cooperative ways to lower carbon footprints, create equitable pricing systems, and encourage ethical sourcing in Asian markets in response to market demands.

The Asia Tea Alliance held a distinguished award event to honor quality and innovation in tea production and to commemorate and recognize achievements among small tea growers. The awards recognized small farmers who maintain the highest standards in each category, taking into account both machine-made and handmade artisanal teas. As the event’s Guest of Honor, Mrs. Rituparna Sengupta, a well-known movie star and vocal advocate for social and environmental problems, presented the prizes.

The awards were presented in the following categories- Machine-made Teas, Handmade Artisanal Teas, and Special Recognition.

The talks revolved around ATA’s goal of securing a tea industry that is both sustainable and profitable. The alliance is dedicated to improving the living and working conditions of tea workers, supporting equitable compensation for tea growers, and guaranteeing a consistent, premium supply of tea for customers around the globe. The summit also provided an opportunity for ATA members to discuss regional issues, share ideas, and work together to accomplish common goals stated in the ATA manifesto.

The ATA was founded to promote collective progress toward sustainability and elevate the voices of Asia’s tea-producing countries. By working together, the ATA hopes to establish the Asian tea industry as a world leader in ethical and sustainable production methods.

Priyanka Dutta