Covid-induced uncertainty dampens demand for premium Darjeeling tea
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A few buyers from Germany and Japan have offered a marginal price hike while other buyers are negotiating for a lower price for the tea which hardly comes to auction centres and is sold privately by Darjeeling’s tea producers.
Agencies
With 87 gardens, the Darjeeling tea industry depends on the premium quality first flush tea for sustenance, as it fetches the highest price in domestic and foreign markets. (Representative image)
Darjeeling first flush tea, or Chateau Lafite Rothschild for those in the trade, has failed to find many takers this year as the Covid-19-induced economic uncertainty has dampened demand for the variety which used to sell for Rs 9,000-10,000 per kg before the pandemic.
Darjeeling planters target expats and high net worth individuals
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Darjeeling First Flush, the earliest leaves and buds harvested in the season, is plucked between late February and early April.
Darjeeling tea is produced in 87 tea estates, spread over 17,600 hectares. Darjeeling tea was the first Indian product to get a GI (geographical indication) tag and is exported to 40 countries.
Darjeeling First Flush, or Chateau Lafite Rothschild in the world of teas, is going virtually nowhere this summer. Teas that fetch up to $170 a kg in Europe need patrons in India now, with exclusive cafes and tea lounges in London, Berlin and Munich staying shut in the aftermath of the second wave of the coronavirus.