Assam Begins Commercial Matcha Tea Production

Assam became the first state in India to commercially produce Matcha tea on 3 July 2026. The first commercial production took place at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district, and the first lot was sold at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.

Matcha Tea

Matcha is a powdered green tea that originated in Japan and is made from shade-grown tea leaves. The leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder, and the beverage is prepared by whisking the powder in hot water.

Assam Tea Sector

Assam is one of India’s largest tea-producing states, and its tea economy is centred on black tea, orthodox tea, and CTC tea. The state has tea estates in districts such as Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Sivasagar.

Chota Tingrai Tea Estate and Production Process

The Chota Tingrai Tea Estate developed a fully automated Japanese tea manufacturing facility for Matcha production. The project involved a decade-long collaboration with Japanese manufacturers, agronomists, equipment suppliers, and tea masters.

Tea Auction System in India

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre is one of the major tea auction platforms in India. Tea auctions in India are conducted through brokers, and J Thomas & Co. Pvt Ltd handled the sale of the first Assam-produced Matcha batch to Sheosons Chai Co. of Guwahati.

Important Facts for Exams

• Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder made from shade-grown leaves.
• Assam is a major tea-producing state in India and is known mainly for black tea.
• The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre is a key tea trading platform in the North-East region.
• Tea estates in Assam are located in districts such as Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.

Commercial Matcha production in Assam began at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district. The first batch entered the market through the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre on 3 July 2026.