Friedrich Naumann Foundation hosts online dialogue on tea
View(s):The South Asia office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), bringing to light the challenges faced by tea producers in India and Sri Lanka, has organised an Online Business Dialogue under the topic “RESTART ASIAN ECONOMIES: Ideas and Actions for the Tea Industry” on March 15 from 1700-1830 hrs (IST).
“Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. With such large-scale use, the production of tea is dominated by a few countries. South Asia as a region is fortunate to produce high quality tea. India, Sri Lanka are among the top 5 exporters of tea in the world. There are thousands of varieties of tea and scientists believe that drinking tea has health benefits attached to it. This perception has also been a factor giving rise to tea consumption in certain parts of the world. Clinical benefits that tea can enhance immunity which can help to fight diseases,” FNF said in a media release.
The panelists for the programme are eminent entrepreneurs, not just from the tea industy but also actively engaged in social enterprise. Rudra Chatterjee, from India is the Managing Director of Luxmi Tea. Founded in 1912, the company is one of the world’s finest producers of tea, making 30 million kg of tea from 25 estates in India and in Rwanda. Mr. Chatterjee served as the President of Indian Chamber of Commerce (2018-19), and is currently serving as the Chairman-Eastern Region of FICCI.
The other panellist Dilhan C. Fernando, CEO of Dilmah Tea, is also the Director of the Dilmah School of Tea – the first international school of tea. Driving innovation in tea, Mr. Fernando has taken tea beyond a cup with Dilmah in tea mixology and gastronomy; from pioneering tea inspired dining concepts to hosting global competitions such as, the “Tea Inspiration for the 21st Century” culinary competition, he has challenged Tea Aficionados from around the world to reimagine tea as an ingredient for morning, afternoon and evening. In addition, he also manages the humanitarian and environmental outcomes of Dilmah and is the Chairman of the United Nations Global Compact in Sri Lanka, a corporate sustainability initiative by the UN.
The programme can be accessed through https://bit.ly/2OBAYKK or on the Facebook page of FNF at www.facebook.com/FNFSouthAsia.