Historic leap for tea industry, as new federation launched in Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh: In a significant development for India's tea industry, three major regional tea associations have united to form the Federation of Indian Tea Manufacturers Association (FITMA). The pan-India body was officially established on April 25 in Dibrugarh, creating a unified platform for manufacturers from the country's primary tea-producing regions.

Operating under the motto "One Association, One Voice", FITMA comprises the Assam Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers' Association (ABLTMA), North Bengal Tea Producers' Welfare Association (NBTPWA), and the Nilgiris Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers' Association (NBLTMA). FITMA aims to advocate for better pricing mechanisms, enforce quality control measures, promote fair trade practices, and tackle key challenges faced by tea manufacturers across India. The body plans to collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international buyers to boost India's tea exports.

The 15-member governing committee includes Deben Singh as chairman, Vikas Mandhania as secretary, and Sanjay Dhanotia and Dhananjayan Krishnamoorthy as vice presidents.

"This federation represents a historic moment for India's tea manufacturing sector. From Assam to the Nilgiris, our challenges are interconnected. FITMA ensures that no region is left behind in India's tea growth story. By uniting manufacturers, we can advocate more effectively for policies that benefit the entire industry while addressing region-specific challenges. Our primary focus will be on pricing mechanisms, quality control standards, and fair trade practices," said Deben Singh, FITMA's inaugural chairperson.

The consolidation of regional associations under FITMA marks a significant step toward cohesive representation of India's tea manufacturers. Each founding body brings unique regional expertise: ABLTMA represents bought-leaf tea manufacturers in Assam, NBTPWA represents tea factory owners in North Bengal, and NBLTMA, based in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, supports small factory owners sourcing green leaves from small tea growers.

"This federation is a game-changer for the Indian tea industry. By uniting under one umbrella, we can amplify our voice in policy discussions, ensure fair pricing, and improve quality standards across the board. With a unified approach, we can strengthen our position in discussions with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders," FITMA secretary Vikas Mandhania said.

The formation coincided with ABLTMA's 30th anniversary celebrations, marked by a grand Annual General Meeting in Dibrugarh. The event drew over 350 industry stakeholders, including buyers, sellers, and brokers from across India.

Highlighting the milestone, ABLTMA president Chand Kumar Gohain said, "Our three-decade journey reflects the resilience and adaptability of Assam's bought leaf sector. The formation of FITMA is the next logical step in our evolution, fostering new opportunities for collaboration across India's tea regions."

With millions directly employed by India's tea industry and evolving consumer preferences, the federation is set to play a critical role in shaping the sector's future and ensuring its continued relevance in both domestic and international markets.