Tea & Coffee
All Varieties
01
HS 0902.10
Darjeeling Tea — First, Second & Autumn Flush
Darjeeling District, West Bengal (GI Tagged)
The 'Champagne of teas' — GI-protected and among the world's most expensive teas. First Flush (March–April) is the most prized: light, floral, and delicate with a characteristic muscatel note. Second Flush (May–June) is fuller-bodied. Sold at Kolkata Tea Auction. Only 10,000 MT produced annually — scarcity keeps prices high.
HS 0902.20
02
Assam Tea — CTC & Orthodox
Assam (Brahmaputra Valley)
World's largest tea-growing region by area. CTC (Cut-Tear-Curl) is the dominant export format — small granules producing a strong, malty, deep-red brew ideal for milk teas (UK breakfast tea, Indian masala chai). Orthodox Assam offers full-leaf grades (FTGFOP1 being the highest) for specialty markets. Major supplier to UK, Russia, and the Middle East.
03
HS 0902.20
Nilgiri Tea — Blue Mountain Oolong & Black
Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu (2,000m+ altitude)
Grown on the Blue Mountains of Tamil Nadu at high altitude — produces a bright, brisk, aromatic tea distinct from Assam or Darjeeling. Nilgiri is India's second-largest tea export region. Frost teas (December–January harvest) are niche premium. Also used as the base for iced tea blends by global beverage manufacturers.
HS 0902.10
04
Green & White Tea — Kangra & Darjeeling
Kangra (Himachal Pradesh), Darjeeling (West Bengal)
India's green tea production is growing rapidly with health food demand. Kangra Green (Himachal Pradesh) has a distinctive vegetal, sweet profile. Darjeeling White Tea (Silver Needle) is one of India's rarest and most expensive exports — minimally processed, high antioxidant, targeting luxury food and wellness brands in Europe and Japan.
05
HS 0901.11
Arabica Coffee — Coorg & Chikmagalur
Coorg (Kodagu) & Chikmagalur, Karnataka
India's Arabica coffee is shade-grown under a canopy of silver oak — producing a smooth, low-acidity bean with notes of dark chocolate and spice. Coorg and Chikmagalur are India's two most celebrated origins. Wet-processed (washed) and natural-processed lots available. Strong demand from European specialty coffee roasters. Monsoon Malabar (wind-aged) is India's most distinctive coffee style.
06
HS 0901.11
Robusta Coffee — Wayanad & Travancore
Wayanad (Kerala), Travancore
India's Robusta is among the world's finest — higher in body and lower in acidity than Vietnamese Robusta. Wayanad Robusta is a key ingredient in Italian espresso blends for its thick crema and chocolatey bitterness. Exported as green beans (primary), roasted whole bean, and instant coffee powder. India is world's 6th largest coffee producer.