Assam, India’s largest tea-producing state, has entered the premium global tea market with the successful production and auction of its first-ever Matcha tea, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tea industry.

The first batch of Assam-produced Matcha was auctioned at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, where nearly 5 kilograms of the premium green tea fetched ₹3,000 per kilogram. The tea was produced at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district, making Assam the first Indian state to begin large-scale production of Matcha tea.

Announcing the achievement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the development would strengthen Assam’s reputation in the global tea market. He noted that the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to diversifying its tea industry and tapping into the rapidly growing international demand for premium tea products.

The Chief Minister also credited the strong ties between India and Japan for encouraging collaboration in the green tea sector, paving the way for the introduction of Matcha production in Assam.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a premium variety of powdered green tea made by finely grinding specially cultivated tea leaves. Unlike conventional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, Matcha is consumed as a fine powder mixed directly with water. As a result, it contains higher concentrations of antioxidants, amino acids, and natural caffeine, making it popular among health-conscious consumers worldwide.

Industry experts believe the successful auction is a major breakthrough for India’s tea sector. According to Dinesh Bihani, Secretary of the Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers’ Association, the country’s first Matcha tea auction opens new opportunities for India’s premium tea exports and strengthens its presence in the global specialty tea market.

The Assam government has also been promoting the production of high-quality specialty teas. Under a dedicated support scheme, financial assistance of ₹94.70 crore has been extended to 486 tea gardens this year to encourage quality improvement and innovation. Officials believe the initiative will boost the production of premium teas like Matcha while enhancing the competitiveness of Assam’s tea industry in international markets.