The response to the 11th edition of the Golden Leaf India Awards: South India Tea Competition (TGLIA) is said to be overwhelming with a record 141 entries from 51 estates/companies.

After the first level of screening of these teas, V Unnikrishnan, Convener, Organising Committee, TGLIA, said the event generated intense competition among the six tea growing regions to produce better and better teas.

A five-member panel comprising KM Angelos of Tata Global Beverages, Anindya Ray of Hindustan Unilever, Nimish B Parikh of J Thomas, A Noor Mohamed of Paramount Tea Marketing and Soman M of Forbes, Ewart & Figgis, representing tea packeteers, exporters and brokers, evaluated the teas that entered the competition at the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) in Coonoor on Saturday morning.

Multi-layer screening Stating that the format and protocol for the competition was detailed to ensure transparency and de-mutualisation, Unnikrishnan said the process of selecting the best teas from various agro-climatic regions is based on a multi-layer screening system to capture the quality attributes such as dry leaf appearance, infused or spent leaf appearance and liquor attributes such as colour, aroma, briskness and strength.

Teas that qualify the first level of screening will be screened for pesticide residue parameters and heavy metals in the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accredited laboratory of UPASI Tea Research Foundation, he said.

The final tasting session is scheduled for April in one of the upcountry markets, an UPASI release said.

 

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