Nepali Tea Gains Global Recognition, International Trademark

After a series of consultations, Nepali tea has finally received a wide recognition in the global market in the form of a logo and an international trademark.

This recognition, a result of long-standing efforts of the Nepal Tea and Coffee Development Board and associated organizations and experts, to Nepali tea is coming after 154 years of the beginning of tea cultivation in the country.

The all-new trademark logo of Nepali tea consists of an image representing Nepal’s mountains along with a message ‘Nepali Tea Quality from the Himalaya’.

Addressing challenges regarding implementation of the logo, the Ministry of Agricultural Development has also issued the ‘Nepali Orthodox Tea Certification Trademark Implementation Directive 2074’ fixing standards on logo usage and mandating production of organic tea.

“Standards such as the quality of tea produced, employment security of the workers and sensitivity towards environmental protection must be met to use the logo. The logo and the directive have been approved, now Nepali tea will carve its niche in the international market,” says Chandra Bhusan Subba, an expert involved in the approval and implementation process.

Subba was hopeful that the new move will boost the demand for Nepali tea in the international market ensuring fair pricing for the local tea farmers. In this regard, he urged for the mandatory and proper implementation of the logo to safeguard the brand.

Nepali tea farmers were also elated at the new announcement hoping a good sustainability and business.

The logo will be launched to the international market at a grand inaugural event scheduled to be held at the Mt Everest Base Camp. The event will see the participation of buyers and journalists from different parts of the world.

Besides, a three-day tea conference has also been planned in Kathmandu from April 06, 2018.

History in Brief

The history of tea cultivation in Nepal dates back to BS 1920 when the cultivation actually began at a place called Ilam in Eastern Nepal and has further spread to 44 districts of the country.

Following this, a factory was set up in BS 1935 from where the tea production began from Ilam, home to the oldest and historical tea factory of the country.