The Hindu Business Line : Nilgiris `speciality' tea sale in US on March 29

THE Nilgiris Planters' Association (NPA) and World Tea Expo in conjunction with Tea Board of India is planning to host tea auction for `speciality' grade of Nilgiris teas at the Las Vegas Hilton in the US on March 29.

"This is the first-ever tea auction for Nilgiri teas in the US. Though Nilgiris is known for `speciality' teas, such teas have never been promoted. Taking part in this auction is just the start of a marketing initiative.

The `best' winter teas from 14 gardens in the Nilgiris would be showcased at this event," Mr T.G.B. Pinto of Nilgiris Planters' Association told Business Line.

Mr Pinto is leading a 12-member team to attend the show at Las Vegas. He said about 42 speciality grade of Nilgiris teas would be on offer, with each of the 14 identified gardens sending in three sample entries.

NPA is proposing to host a tea-tasting session the day before the auction date, to enable buyers taste tea, before putting in their bids. "We will be offering 630 kg of tea for sale," Mr Pinto said.

The association is expecting at least 150 buyers to bid at the auction.

The President of the World Tea Expo, Mr George Jage, said this effort would drive the `speciality' tea industry's growth in the US, northwards.

The teas on offer would include speciality grade orthodox black teas, silver tips, golden tips, white teas, green teas, winter teas and certified organic teas. "We hope to sell at around $100/kg," Mr Pinto said.

Mr Pinto said the occasion would give an opportunity for the speciality tea producers in the Nilgiris to compete with countries such as China and Vietnam.