Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), an apex body of tea producer associations in India, and Tea Board of India are jointly organising the India International Tea Convention (IITC) 2012 from November 7 to 9 at Canacona in Goa.
“This is the third edition of IITC. We started this event in 2007 at Guwahati as a signature event for Indian tea. Essentially, it will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and draw up direction for future for all stakeholders associated with tea like growers, manufacturers, brokers, auctioneers, packers, exporters and importers apart from tea machinery and equipment manufacturers, tea organisations among others,” C S Bedi, Chairman, CCPA told Business Standard.
IITC 2012 will comprise of three main components like business theme sessions, exhibition and tea tasting.
The convention will focus on marketing with focus on exports, emerging retail sector, highlighting sourcing and vending opportunities.
"The Indian tea is largely consumed in the domestic market and just about 15% is exported. Through this conference, we are looking at expanding the overseas market for Indian tea. We will discuss issues like value addition, branding, packaging and chart out direction for the Indian tea industry for the next decade," Bedi said.
About 75 overseas delegations and companies have confirmed their participation in IITC 2012 and there will be 12 foreign speakers on various issues concerning the tea sector including health aspects, Bedi said.
During the business sessions, issues related to production and manufacturing excellence encompassing GMP, GAP, sustainability, ethical practices, consumer safety of tea; India and global perspective, tea variants & derivatives; innovations and market learnings will be discussed.
The transition from grocer to super market, retail challenges ahead are other topics for discussion. Besides, an exhibition will be conducted during the three-day event.