Indian tea companies smell opportunity as Sri Lanka crisis brews

Island nation largest orthodox tea supplier, exporting over 95% of its production, according to ICRA report

As the economic crisis in Sri Lanka —  the world’s largest exporter of orthodox tea — continues to rage across the island nation, tea producers in India look to cash in on the opportunity to seize the market.

The country's largest tea growing company, McLeod Russel India, expects orders to come in from July. “A huge opportunity is coming up for everyone in India. McLeod Russel is well placed because we have the capacity for orthodox tea,” said Azam Monem, director, McLeod Russel.

About 10 per cent of McLeod's production is orthodox tea.

Amalgamated Plantations Private (APPL) — carved out