In the pre-independence period, the dominance of the overseas interest over the Indian Tea Industry was absolute. Some of the daring Indian entrepreneurs fired by national spirit entered the field of Tea Industry in North-India with a missionary zeal. They put their heart and soul into the tea fields which they developed almost with their own in the remote regions without having much technical skill. In doing so, they had to face many constraints and therefore realized the imperative need of a common platform to discuss their problems and exchange ideas among themselves.
Thus began the process of formation of the Tea Association of India (TAI) with a wider interest and representation that was existing for the Indian interest. Formed at a General Meeting of indigenous tea planters held on 27th January 1956 with a view to protect their common interests and to foster trade, commerce and industry connected with Tea, the Tea Association of India has been rendering valuable services not only to its members but to the Tea Industry as a whole during all these years. The founders of the Association include names such as Late B.K. Birla, Late Rai Saheb H.B. Kanoi, Late L.C. Kanoi, Late S.S. Kanoria, Late S.R. Daga, Late D.C. Ghose. Late T.D. Kanoria, Late S.M. Mohta among others. Late Rai Saheb H.B. Kanoi was elected as the first President of the Association, who resumed his charges from 1956-1957
The Association has over the years built its reputation and carved out a niche within the industry. The consistency and application of the members of the Association has placed them amongst the top notch companies which command prices that are consistently within the Honours list of all Auction Centers of North India.
The Membership of the Association varies from Proprietary concern to Producer of wholly organic specialty teas and also large Corporate groups like Jayshree Tea and Inds Ltd, Dhunseri Tea and Inds Ltd, Gillanders Arbuthnot and Co Ltd, Rydak Syndicate Ltd, B&A Ltd amongst others.
Though the Membership of the Association includes some of the big players of the trade, there are several members who have been involved in the business as part of a long family tradition and involved in day to day activities in a complete and in a professional manner. They maintain a long term and personal stake in their business across all functions.
Essential feature of the Association always been comprise of Business groups rooted in India and have always borne the stamp of Self Sufficiency. In other words “Atmanirbharta” has been forte of this Association.
