Indian tea sessions attract traders at Global Dubai Tea Forum 2008

A range of Darjeeling teas of different flushes, including the speciality oolong, white and green teas, were tasted by a cross-section of delegates representing major tea buyers from across the world.

The tea tasting session took place during the 2nd Global Dubai Tea Forum, organised by Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DTTC), an initiative of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). A broad range of representatives from tea producing and consuming nations participated in the forum, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai, from February 19-20, 2008.

The event was attended by Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC; Farid Mohammed Ahmed, Secretary General, Dubai World; and Dr. David Rutledge, CEO, DMCC. Venu Rajamony, Counsel General of India, and Basudeb Banerjee, Chairman, Tea Board of India, were also present at the session.

Participating in the session Ahmed bin Sulayem said: "

The Darjeeling tea tasting session was an interesting experience. It gave wonderful insights into the level of development and sophistication within the Indian tea industry and the extent to which the industry goes in order to maintain quality and experience."

Darjeeling teas, grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, are one of the world's most exclusive teas, prized for their exquisite aroma and flavour. Only 10 million kilos of Darjeeling tea are produced annually from 87 certified gardens.

As part of showcasing the varieties of Indian tea, especially from South India, the fourth Golden Leaf India Awards: Southern Tea Competition (TGLIA-STC) was held on the sidelines of the Global Dubai Tea Forum 2008.

Sixty-two entries representing the various tea-growing regions of South India were evaluated by an international jury drawn from Russia, Pakistan, UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Twenty-eight awards were given out for categories which included orthodox (leaf and fannings), CTC (leaf, fanning and dust), organic and green tea.

TGLIA is the fist-ever structured tea quality competition to be organised anywhere in the world. The sessions were organised by the Tea Board of India in collaboration with the Darjeeling Tea Association and the United Planters Association of Southern India.