The Gujarat Tea Traders Association (GTTA) marked a momentous milestone by hosting its landmark 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration and Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the historic Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Mandir in Salangpur, Gujarat. The grand congregation brought together hundreds of association members, their spouses, and generational tea entrepreneurs, encompassing the complete trade and industry ecosystem of wholesalers, retailers, packeters, and commission agents to celebrate five decades of an unbroken tea fraternity from 1976 to 2026.
The celebration was anchored by the holy presence and spiritual blessings of Param Pujya Aacharya Shri Rakeshprasadji Maharaj (Pithadhipati, Shri Laxminarayan Dev Gadi, Vadtaldham). To outline the future map of market growth, the event hosted a highly distinguished lineup of national tea trade and industry leaders, including Chief Guest Shri Paras Desai (Chairman of the apex national body, Federation of All India Tea Traders Associations (FAITTA)), Shri Prabhat Bezboruah (Renowned Eminent Tea Producer and Former Chairman of both the Tea Board of India and the Tea Research Association (TRA)), and Shri Sanjay Chaudhary (Vice President, J. Thomas C Co.). Prominent industry and trade delegates from major tea production hubs across Kolkata, Assam, and South India also traveled to grace the occasion.
Delivering the opening address at the landmark 50th AGM—held on 2nd October, Gandhi Jayanti—the GTTA President Shri Manish Patel highlighted the association’s historic journey from its initial roots laid by Founder President Late Shri Piyushbhai Desai to a powerful organization protecting over 600 active members across the packaging, wholesale, retail, and commission agency sectors. In his speech, the President took special note of the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, drawing inspiration from its high principles for the shared growth of the entire association. A solemn tribute and a 1-minute moment of silence were then observed in memory of the Late Founder President and recently deceased members.
Addressing the structural market outlook, the house spearheaded an analytical dialogue on long-term trade and industry modernization, Shri Paras Desai gave following insights outlining strategic development plans focusing on critical avenues for sustained long-term growth:
Increasing Consumption: Highlighting the vital importance of strictly improving tea quality and introducing premium varieties to expand market demand.
Attracting the Youth: Innovating with contemporary flavours and dynamic offerings to attract and engage the new younger generation of consumers.
Packaging Improvement: Appealed for superior quality of bulk packaging by producers for retailers
C packers for preserving the freshness C aroma of tea thereby ensuring that the quality of tea remains intact during its journey from producers to end consumers via packers, wholesellers retailers
On this occasion, the association formally recognized its structural pillars, expressing special gratitude to the main donor and inspirational donor, Shri Kiritbhai Manibhai Patel, of the permanent headquarters “Manikaka Tea House”. The President also honored the family of Late Shri Odhavjibhai Jadavjibhai Patel—a legendary Past President of GTTA—whose son Shri Mahendrabhai O. Patel stepped forward as the anchor commercial sponsor (main donor) of this 50th-year milestone.
Furthermore, to guarantee balanced representation and seamless geographical administration across the territory, the event confirmed the continuation of the newly reinforced governing body. Led by President Shri Manish Patel and Hon. Secretary Shri Ratanlal Sharma, the core panel has officially appointed 4 Vice Presidents and 4 Joint Secretaries strategically representing all regions of Gujarat, alongside Shri Chandrakant Prajapati who will take charge of social media help.
The event concluded with an appeal to the visiting experts to mentor next-generation youth in global trade and industry challenge mapping, followed by a celebratory networking lunch in a joyful atmosphere.