Darjeeling Small Grower Tea Cooperatives

Darjeeling tea from the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in West Bengal is known as the champagne of teas. It was the first Indian product to receive GI certification. Over 87 tea gardens operate in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong subdivisions. The first flush plucking in March and April produces a light, floral, and muscatel-character tea from bushes awakening after winter dormancy. The second flush in May and June yields a stronger, richer cup. Darjeeling gardens use orthodox manufacture only — no CTC processing — preserving full leaf integrity. The main export markets are Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The Darjeeling Tea Association and several estate cooperatives protect the GI mark, requiring authenticity certificates for every kilogram of genuine Darjeeling tea sold. About 13,000 permanent and 12,000 seasonal workers are employed across the garden sector.