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XP-0187 Beverages
Premium Indian Coffee
Premium Indian Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, shade-grown and processed for exceptional aroma and flavor.
Coffee Board of IndiaFSSAIISO 22000
Min. Order
1 Metric Ton
🌿 Vegetarian Product
✓ Non-GMO
🌱 Organic Available
Beverages SKU: XP-0188
Premium Indian Tea
Exquisite Indian tea varieties from Assam and Darjeeling, sourced directly from estates for premium quality and taste.
Commercial Trade Terms
Min. Order (MOQ)
500 kg
HS Code
09024020
Origin
India (Assam/Darjeeling/Nilgiris)
Price Range
Price on Request
Export Documents
- Certificate of Origin (Tea Board / Chamber of Commerce)
- Tea Board of India Export Registration / Permit
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) — moisture, ash, pesticide residue
- Pesticide Residue (MRL) Test Report
- Plant Quarantine / Health Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate (if required)
Available Bag Sizes
100g250g500g1kg25kg50kg
Available Bag Types
Multi-wall Paper Sack (kraft) with poly linerPP WovenJute (paper-lined)Tea Chest / Plywood ChestVacuum/Tin (retail)BOPP Laminated Pouch
Product Overview
India is the world's second-largest tea producer and a uniquely multi-terroir origin, offering B2B buyers three commercially and culinarily distinct production regions within a single country: Assam (CTC heartland in the Brahmaputra valley, producing the malty, full-bodied teas that form the backbone of UK and Gulf standard blends), Darjeeling (GI-protected Himalayan foothills at 600–2,000 metres, producing the 'Champagne of teas' — muscatel First and Second Flush Orthodox leaves that command the highest per-kilogram prices in the world), and Nilgiri (Southern India's Blue Mountains, producing bright, brisk, fragrant teas with natural floral notes prized in iced tea and flavoured tea applications). Tea Board of India registration is mandatory for all commercial exporters.
Two production styles define Indian tea trade: CTC (Cut-Tear-Curl, approximately 90% of Indian export volume) produces granular, uniform particles that infuse rapidly for consistent cup strength — the preferred form for tea bag manufacturers, commodity blend buyers, and Gulf packet tea markets. Orthodox (whole-leaf, rolled, or twisted) is produced primarily in Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri for specialty retail and premium loose-leaf markets. Commercial grades within CTC run from Broken Pekoe (BP) through BOP, BOPF, and Fannings to Dust (the finest grade for single-serve tea bags). Orthodox grades follow FTGFOP, TGFOP, GFOP, and FOP nomenclature, with Darjeeling First Flush FTGFOP achieving USD 18,000–60,000+/MT at auction for exceptional single-estate lots.
GI label authorisation from the Darjeeling Tea Association is mandatory to market tea as 'Darjeeling' — buyers must receive the official GI logo licence alongside the Tea Board certificate of origin. ISO 3720 specifies minimum quality standards for black tea. EU pesticide MRL compliance per Regulation EC 396/2005 is the critical compliance gateway, with 500+ active ingredient limits enforced; Japanese MRL standards (applying Japan's 0.01 ppm default limit for compounds not explicitly listed) are the most stringent globally. NABL-accredited multi-residue pesticide screening is essential before EU and Japan-bound shipments. Export volumes range from 1 kg specialty samples to FCL bulk shipments. Loading through Kolkata, Haldia, Cochin, Chennai, and Nhava Sheva.
As a leading manufacturer and exporter in India, IndianXporter ensures that our Premium Indian Tea meets the stringent quality requirements of international markets. Our robust supply chain allows us to fulfill bulk orders consistently, offering highly competitive FOB and CIF pricing to our B2B partners worldwide.
Our processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring that every shipment of Premium Indian Tea is thoroughly sorted, cleaned, and graded. We adhere to global food safety and industrial standards, backed by third-party inspections from agencies like SGS upon buyer request.
🌿
Varieties Found in India
Regional cultivars available for bulk export
Darjeeling First Flush
Darjeeling, West Bengal
GI tagged. Light, floral, muscatel note. Most premium Indian tea.
Darjeeling Second Flush
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Full-bodied muscatel. Most exported Darjeeling grade.
Assam CTC
Assam
Strong, malty, high thearubigin. Preferred for British-style blends.
Nilgiri (Blue Mountain)
Tamil Nadu
Brisk, fragrant. Year-round supply. Popular in iced tea blends.
Kangra Green
Himachal Pradesh
Light, delicate. Growing export demand in EU health segment.
Specific variety available on request — mention in your RFQ.
What is Premium Indian Tea?
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the world's most consumed beverage after water, and India is the second-largest producer on earth (after China) and one of the top exporters, shipping over 230–250 million kg of made tea each year. Indian tea is defined by three legendary terroirs — Assam in the north-east, the high Himalayan slopes of Darjeeling, and the Nilgiri hills of South India — each producing a distinct, internationally recognised cup.
Indian tea is manufactured in two principal styles. CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) tea, which makes up roughly 90% of Indian production, yields small granular particles that brew quickly into a strong, brisk, coloury liquor — ideal for tea bags, milk tea and the global mass market, with Assam and Dooars as the heartland. Orthodox tea, made by rolling whole leaves, preserves leaf style and delivers the nuanced, aromatic cups prized in specialty markets — the domain of Darjeeling and fine Nilgiri.
Darjeeling — the 'Champagne of teas' — is a Geographical Indication (GI)-protected product grown exclusively in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, with its muscatel first and second flushes commanding the highest premiums in the world. Assam CTC delivers the malty, full-bodied strength behind most English-style and breakfast blends, while Nilgiri offers a bright, brisk, fragrant cup valued in iced-tea and blending markets. Together they make India a one-stop origin from commodity CTC to ultra-premium GI orthodox.
Technical Specifications
| Botanical Name | Camellia sinensis (Theaceae) |
| Manufacture Type | CTC (~90%), Orthodox, Green, Flavoured/Blends |
| Moisture | ≤ 6.5% (BIS / ISO 3720) |
| Total Ash | 4–8% (ISO 3720 spec) |
| Water Extract | ≥ 32% |
| Crude Fibre | ≤ 16.5% |
| CTC Grades | BP, BOP, BOPSM, PF, PD, Dust (D), Fannings |
| Orthodox Grades | FTGFOP, TGFOP, GFOP, OP, BOP, Fannings |
| Caffeine | 2.5–4% on dry weight |
| Foreign Matter | Nil (sorted / fibre-extracted) |
| Iron Filings | ≤ 150 mg/kg (magnet-separated) |
| Pesticide Residue | Within EU / FSSAI MRL limits |
Commercial Grades & Classification
Darjeeling Orthodox FTGFOP (First Flush)
Processing: Hand-plucked, orthodox rolled, GI-protected, light fermentation
Colour: Light golden liquor, abundant tips
Use Case: Ultra-premium specialty retail, single-estate connoisseur markets
+200–400% over Assam CTC base
Assam Orthodox TGFOP
Processing: Orthodox rolled whole leaf, second flush, well-fermented
Colour: Bright, golden-tippy, malty liquor
Use Case: Premium loose-leaf retail, specialty breakfast blends
+60–120% over Assam CTC
Assam CTC BP / BOP
Processing: Crush-Tear-Curl, granular, fully fermented
Colour: Strong, brisk, deep-amber coloury liquor
Brokens: Broken-grade granules (BP/BOP particle size)
Use Case: Tea bags, milk tea, breakfast blends — mass market workhorse
Base export benchmark grade
Nilgiri Orthodox / CTC
Processing: Orthodox or CTC; bright, brisk South Indian liquor
Colour: Bright, golden, fragrant
Use Case: Iced tea, blending, flavoured tea base, RTD beverages
+5–20% over Assam CTC (orthodox higher)
CTC Dust (D / PD)
Processing: Fine dust grade from CTC manufacture
Colour: Very strong, quick-brewing, dark liquor
Brokens: Dust / fannings particle size
Use Case: Tea bags, vending, strong chai, price-sensitive bulk
-10–15% below CTC BP
Indicative FOB Pricing
Prices are indicative. Request a formal quote for contractual pricing.
| Grade | FOB Price (USD/MT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling First Flush FTGFOP | $18,000 – $60,000+/MT | GI specialty — single-estate lots vary widely. Q1 2026 indicative |
| Assam Orthodox TGFOP (2nd flush) | $5,500 – $9,500/MT | Premium tippy malty orthodox |
| Assam CTC BP / BOP | $2,600 – $3,600/MT | Mass-market benchmark — tracks Guwahati auction |
| Nilgiri Orthodox | $3,000 – $4,500/MT | Bright blending / iced-tea grade |
| CTC Dust (D / PD) | $2,300 – $3,200/MT | Tea-bag and vending grade |
Price Influencing Factors
- •North Indian auction averages (Guwahati, Kolkata) and South Indian (Coonoor, Cochin) — Indian FOB tracks these benchmarks
- •Monsoon & weather over Assam and Darjeeling — flush timing and rainfall drive crop volume and quality
- •Kenya CTC crop — Kenya is the world's top CTC exporter; its harvest swings global CTC prices and India's competitiveness
- •USD/INR exchange rate — INR depreciation improves Indian tea export competitiveness
- •EU/Gulf pesticide (MRL) detections — rejection events cause price corrections and tighten compliant supply
- •Iran / CIS / Gulf demand and currency — major orthodox/CTC buyers whose import appetite moves Indian prices
India vs Kenya: Premium Indian Tea Comparison
Kenya is the world's largest CTC tea exporter and competes head-on with Indian Assam CTC on the bulk market, often at a price advantage. India differentiates through the unique GI-protected Darjeeling, malty Assam orthodox, bright Nilgiri, and an unmatched breadth of regional styles spanning commodity CTC to ultra-premium orthodox.
| Aspect | 🇮🇳 India | 🌏 Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Specialty | Darjeeling (GI) — 'Champagne of teas', muscatel; Assam malt | No comparable GI specialty — uniform bright CTC |
| Manufacture Range | CTC + full orthodox + green + flavoured — full spectrum | Predominantly CTC; very limited orthodox |
| Cup Profile | Malty (Assam), muscatel (Darjeeling), brisk-bright (Nilgiri) | Bright, brisk, coloury CTC — consistent but single-style |
| FOB Price | $2,300/MT (CTC dust) to $60,000+/MT (Darjeeling) | $2,000–$3,200/MT — volume-competitive CTC |
| Domestic Market | Huge home demand absorbs ~80% — exports premium surplus | Export-dependent — ~95% of crop exported |
| Certifications | Tea Board, GI logos, organic NPOP, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade | Rainforest Alliance widespread; limited GI/origin branding |
Applications & End-Use Markets
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Tea Bags & Mass Retail
Assam CTC (BP/BOP) and CTC Dust are the global workhorse for tea bags, breakfast blends and milk tea, brewing quickly into a strong, brisk, coloury cup. Core supply to packers and supermarket private-label.
UKUAEUSAEgyptRussia
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Specialty & Loose-Leaf Retail
Darjeeling first/second flush and Assam orthodox serve premium loose-leaf, single-estate and connoisseur markets at high per-kg value, with GI authentication and estate traceability.
GermanyJapanUSAFranceUK
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Iced Tea & RTD Beverages
Bright, brisk Nilgiri and select CTC grades are favoured as the base for iced tea, ready-to-drink beverages and flavoured/instant tea due to their clarity and brightness when cold.
USAJapanAustraliaGermany
🍽️
HoReCa, Chai & Foodservice
Strong CTC and dust grades supply hotels, cafés, vending and the global masala-chai trade where bold colour and strength carry milk and spices.
UAESaudi ArabiaUSAUKSouth East Asia
Global Trade Architecture
Primary Supply Origins
China
~45% of global productionWorld's largest producer; dominant in green tea and specialty. Limited CTC.
India
~20% (2nd largest)Assam & Dooars CTC heartland; Darjeeling (GI) and Nilgiri. Largest CTC orthodox-range origin.
Kenya
~8–9%World's largest CTC exporter; bright uniform CTC, ~95% exported.
Key Consumption Nodes
United Kingdom & EU — Hamburg, London entry
Major buyers of Assam CTC for breakfast blends and Darjeeling/orthodox for specialty. Strict EU MRL compliance decisive.
Middle East — UAE, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia
Large orthodox and CTC market; UAE (Jebel Ali) is a key re-export and blending hub for the wider Gulf and Africa.
CIS & Russia
Traditional buyers of Indian CTC and orthodox for the strong milk-tea and samovar markets.
USA & Japan
Specialty single-origin Darjeeling/orthodox plus Nilgiri and CTC for iced tea and RTD beverages.
Market Intelligence
Tea is a multi-tier global commodity, from sub-$3/kg bulk CTC to four-figure-per-kg single-estate Darjeeling. India is uniquely positioned as the world's second-largest producer with both a vast CTC base (Assam/Dooars) and the planet's most prestigious GI orthodox (Darjeeling), letting it serve mass-market and ultra-premium channels from one origin.
Market Size
Global tea trade: ~$9–10 billion (made tea). India's tea exports: ~$800M–$900M (≈230–250 million kg, FY2024–25)
Growth Rate
~4–5% CAGR — driven by specialty, herbal/flavoured, RTD and health-positioned tea demand
Core Demand Drivers
- Health & wellness positioning — antioxidants, green tea and functional/herbal blends
- Specialty single-origin movement — GI Darjeeling and Assam orthodox premiumisation
- Ready-to-drink and iced-tea growth favouring bright Nilgiri and CTC bases
- Strong Middle East, CIS and African milk-tea demand for Indian CTC and orthodox
- Private-label and tea-bag expansion in supermarkets globally
Supply Dynamics
Indian production (~1,350 million kg/year) is ~90% CTC and heavily absorbed by the world's largest domestic tea market (~80% consumed at home), so only premium surplus is exported. Assam and Dooars dominate volume; Darjeeling is a tiny, declining (~7–8 million kg) ultra-premium niche under cost and climate pressure.
⚠ India Risk Factor
Climate change is shifting flush timing and reducing Darjeeling yields; ageing bushes and labour shortages raise costs. EU and Gulf pesticide (MRL) tightening is the key export risk, alongside GI counterfeiting of 'Darjeeling' abroad. Wage and energy inflation pressure estate economics.
Future Outlook
Premium differentiation deepens: GI-authenticated Darjeeling, organic Assam orthodox and clean-MRL traceable lots will separate from bulk Kenyan/commodity CTC. Value-added flavoured, herbal and RTD-base teas plus organic certification are India's growth frontier, while CTC remains the volume anchor for Gulf, CIS and African markets.
HS / HSN Codes
| Product Type | HS 6-Digit | ITC-HS 8-Digit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Tea (fermented) in packages ≤ 3 kg | 0902.30 | 09023010 | Black tea (fermented), immediate packings ≤ 3 kg |
| Black Tea (fermented), bulk > 3 kg | 0902.40 | 09024020 | Other black tea (fermented) and partly fermented, bulk |
| Green Tea (not fermented) in packages ≤ 3 kg | 0902.10 | 09021010 | Green tea (not fermented), immediate packings ≤ 3 kg |
| Green Tea (not fermented), bulk > 3 kg | 0902.20 | 09022020 | Other green tea (not fermented), bulk |
Certifications & Compliance Standards
| Standard | Code / Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Board of India | TBI Registration | Mandatory exporter registration and GI authorisation (e.g., Darjeeling logo) |
| ISO 3720 | ISO 3720 | International specification for black tea (definition and requirements) |
| EU MRL | Reg EC 396/2005 | Pesticide residue limits — multi-residue testing mandatory for EU |
| FSSAI | FSSAI Tea Std | Indian food safety standard for tea (moisture, ash, water extract) |
| Darjeeling GI | GI Reg / Tea Board logo | Geographical Indication protection — only Darjeeling-district tea qualifies |
| Rainforest Alliance / Fairtrade / Organic | RA / FLO / NPOP | Certified ethical and organic estate options available |
Storage, Handling & Logistics
Shelf Life
24–36 months black tea; 12–18 months green tea, in sealed dry packaging
Storage Conditions
Cool, dry, odour-free warehouse below 25°C and 60–65% RH; tea is highly hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture and foreign aromas.
Container Type
Paper sacks / tea chests in 20ft FCL (~250–350 packages, ~18–19 MT). Foil pouches, tins and vacuum packs for retail.
Fumigation
Generally not fumigated; phosphine fumigation available on request. Magnet separation removes iron filings; moisture control prevents mould.
Storage Advantage
Poly-lined multi-wall sacks and foil/vacuum retail packs preserve aroma and prevent moisture pickup through long ocean transit
Why Source Premium Indian Tea from India?
- World's second-largest tea producer — vast, reliable CTC volume plus full orthodox and green range from one origin
- Exclusive GI Darjeeling — the 'Champagne of teas' with muscatel character no other origin can replicate
- Malty Assam and bright Nilgiri — internationally benchmark cups for breakfast blends, milk tea, iced tea and blending
- Tea Board of India oversight — registered exporters, GI authentication and full grade documentation
- Complete grade spectrum — from CTC dust for tea bags to ultra-premium single-estate orthodox under one supplier
- Organic, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade estate options with clean-MRL traceability for EU and Gulf compliance
Industrial Usage
Bulk supply for various manufacturing, processing, and distribution sectors. High-purity technical grades available for industrial procurement and technical application.
Standard
Technical Grade
Supply
Bulk Only
Packaging & Logistics
Standard Packaging
Export Standard Cartons / Palletized
Private Label / OEM
Custom Packaging & OEM Support Available
Port of Loading
Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Mundra Port
Incoterms
FOB, CIF, CFR accepted
Global Export Reach for Premium Indian Tea
IndianXporter successfully exports Premium Indian Tea to major international markets. Click your region below to view destination-specific compliance and shipping details.
Industrial Application Verticals
B2B Solutions
Private Label Premium Indian Tea
Establish your own brand in the international market. We provide end-to-end custom white-label packaging and branding solutions for retail distribution. Get retail-ready Premium Indian Tea under your brand name with our expert OEM services.
- Custom pouch, jar & bulk bag design
- Multi-lingual labeling & regulatory compliance
- FSSAI, ISO & FDA certified facilities
- Flexible packaging sizes (100g to 50kg)
Retail Ready
From Design to Delivery
Export Markets
USA UAE Europe South East Asia United Kingdom
We provide market-specific compliance documentation for each destination. Contact us for country-specific certifications.
Importing Premium Indian Tea: B2B FAQs
What is the lead time for a bulk order of Premium Indian Tea?
Our standard lead time for Premium Indian Tea is 7-14 business days from order confirmation to dispatch from an Indian port. For private label orders, allow an additional 5 days for packaging customization.
Can I request a sample of Premium Indian Tea before placing a full container order?
Yes, we provide 100g to 500g samples of Premium Indian Tea for quality validation. Sample costs are usually free, with the buyer covering international courier charges (DHL/FedEx).
Which Incoterms do you offer for Premium Indian Tea?
We primarily quote on FOB (Nhava Sheva/Mundra) or CIF (Destination Port) basis. We can also provide CFR and door-to-door DDP pricing for specific regions upon request.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Premium Indian Tea?
Our standard MOQ for Tea is 500 kg. However, we can accommodate smaller trial orders or mixed container shipments (LCL) for new B2B partners seeking to evaluate our quality across different regions like Assam and Darjeeling.
Do you provide samples and laboratory reports for Premium Indian Tea?
Yes, we provide pre-shipment samples and comprehensive laboratory testing reports (including pesticide residues, heavy metals, and moisture content) for our teas to ensure full compliance with EU and FDA regulations.
What are the export logistics and lead times for bulk tea orders?
We primarily ship through Kolkata, Haldia, and Cochin ports using FOB, CIF, or CFR terms. Standard lead time for bulk tea is 15-25 business days from the receipt of the Advance Payment or confirmed L/C.
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