Nepal Tea and the World 2004
Flavors From The Himalayas
Story & Photos by David Drouin

Kathmandu, Nepal-Industry delegates, tea representatives and journalists from Germany, India, Japan, the United States and other importing nations were summoned to participate in Nepal Tea and the World, an international tea event held in Kathmandu on November 19-21, 2004. One of the primary functions of the conference was to examine the prospective expansion of tea exports from this tiny, land-locked nation nestled in the Himalayas, to specific new markets across the globe.
   With ever-improving infrastructure and leaf quality, Nepalese tea producers sought the objective views of delegates from potential markets on how to best achieve their goals. Surrounded by two tea-producing giants, China and India, determined Nepalese tea producers have worked passionately to forge their own identity in an extremely competitive region. Nepal's immediate proximity to India's Darjeeling region in particular has proven to be both an obstacle and a boon for Nepalese tea. By embracing Darjeeling as its neighbor, Nepalese producers hope to point out the similarities between the "champagne of teas" and their own, while overcoming the challenges of building a distinct name for itself and capitalizing on the subtle differences.
   The conference introduction was led by Homnath Dahal, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who outlined the commitment of the Nepalese government to developing an environmentally friendly and sustainable policy, that simultaneously expands the Nepalese tea industry and improves the socio-economic situation there. A panel of industry delegates shared their perspectives on the current state of tea in Nepal, offered marketing strategy recommendations and visions for its future. It became clear that each new market demanded unique standards and treatment. The conference continued with presentations and mediated discussions on Nepalese CTC tea, private/public partnerships in the tea sector, prospects of organic tea and the introduction of the Nepal Tea logo program.
   One of the most significant achievements of the conference was the introduction and signing of the Code of Conduct, which included more than 15 tea producers, brokers and exporters. The Code of Conduct mandates standards for environmental sustainability by controlling the use of pesticides, improving labor standards (in part by eliminating the use of child labor), inspecting green leaf sources for consistency and quality and matching samples with consignments. The signing ceremony demonstrated the absolute commitment and determination of Nepalese tea producers to implement strict guidelines intended to benefit the environment and everyone from the farmers to the consumer. The Code of Conduct was designed to facilitate the building of trust and long-lasting relationships between the producers and their customers.
   As the dialogue continued, the conference heated up with strong debate regarding the practicality of implementing organic practices in Nepalese tea estates. The variations in organic standards from country to country raised concerns about how to tackle the problem, while providing consistent quality. Another point of discussion focused on defining "quality." Suraj Vaidya, president of Guranse Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd., defined quality as "the ongoing process of building and sustaining relationships by assessing and fulfilling stated and implied needs." Tea buyers from around the world presented their own perceptions of quality, in addition to their expectations regarding consistency in both the delivery of tea and the leaf itself. While there was a strong focus on orthodox tea production, CTC growers were interested in finding a market in the represented countries for their product as well.
   A comprehensive tea tasting was one of the highlights on the final day. The mood elevated noticeably with the anticipation of finally being able to showcase and taste products the delegates had spent two long days discussing. Before them laid a long row of steaming white cups, each represented years of backbreaking toil. Cameras flashed and the hallway rumbled as the smelling, slurping and spitting commenced with great fervor. Hopeful eyes of tea producers scanned the faces of prospective buyers as their teas whisked across the palates of tasters from around the world. As experts worked their way down the table, international journalists were ready with microphones and notepads to gather their impressions. Some veteran tasters took on an almost celebrity air. The smiles and satisfaction apparent on the faces of those at the table made it obvious to bystanders that not only was the tasting a success, but that the room was filled with individuals with a true passion for tea.
   The event wrapped up with a formal dinner, a magnificent feast of local cuisine designed to lavish the palates of both Nepalese and attendees from around the world. Following dinner, attendees were served with an exceptional treat, a cultural presentation of traditional performances of Nepalese music and dance. Dancers and artists entertained the crowd, while providing a small taste of Nepal's extremely rich and diverse cultures. Gifts from the Prime Minister of Nepal were graciously bestowed upon foreign delegates in a ceremony showing gratitude for their participation in the event. Language and cultural diversity certainly did not impede the formation of new business relationships and friendships. Rather, the conference was designed to provide a conduit to better understanding the lives and concerns of those present. Perhaps it was the humble nature of the cup that brought everyone together, which opened so many doors that may have otherwise been closed.