24 May 2004 05:32
SOUTHERN TEA AROMA MAY WAFT TO RUSSIA YET AGAIN (an 8-member tea delegation from Russia visits Indian tea estates in
South India)
India, which once commanded about 80 percent of the 150-million kilograms Russian tea market, is likely to get a
re-entry into the market again.
An 8-member tea delegation from Russia visited a few estates in Conoor, Coimbatore and Kochi during 20-23 May 2004.
The delegation interacted with some of the traders in the area and liked the South Indian tea, particularly the
high-grown orthodox variety. They have even collected samples, which will be tested in their home country, after which
they will contact the companies, from where the samples have been sourced. India lost its market share in Russia,
following export of inferior quality tea.
India's share has fell to 20 percent, while Sri Lank commands a major 50 percent, China 25 percent and Kenya,
the rest. Russia now imports only premium orthodox varieties from Assam.
[India Business Insight] |
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