Darjeeling tea sells for Rs 88,000 at Russian charity auction

Evoking great response from the Russian tea industry, a charity auction of Darjeeling tea in Moscow has fetched prices as high as 45,000 rubble (Rs 88,000 approximately) per lot of 1.2 kg, the Tea Board said today.

Darjeeling tea from the Castleton estate won the highest bid of 45,000 rubble ($1,384) from Dmitry Krasilnikov, the president of the group of companies 'Baltic -Trans'.

A statement from the Tea Board said the second highest bid was offered by Andrew Barinsky of Russia First real estate industry for Chamong Organic (35,000 rubble equivalent to $1,076).

The other teas were also well-received, with prices ranging from $200 to 500 per lot of 1.2 kg.

Organised jointly by the Association of Tea and Coffee in Russia and the Tea Board of India, the proceedings of the auction sale organised in Moscow this Wednesday, will go to a charity organisation named 'Gift of Life' founded by renowned Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova.

First flush high quality Darjeeling teas from 20 estates were the speciality of the auction.Professional tea tasters were part of the auction which was presented by popular television personalities of Moscow.

During the event, Tea Board of India chairman M G V K Bhanu highlighted the health benefits of tea, saying that its natural ingredients can help fight cancer.