~Gujarat Tea Traders Association celebrates its historic 50th Golden Jubilee and AGM at Salangpur, bringing together 600+ members and tea industry leaders.
Botad, Gujarat, Oct 05 (VNI): The Gujarat Tea Traders Association (GTTA) celebrated its historic 50th Golden Jubilee and Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the revered Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Mandir in Salangpur, Gujarat, bringing together hundreds of association members, their spouses and generations of tea entrepreneurs to mark five decades of an unbroken tea trade fraternity from 1976 to 2026.
The landmark gathering brought together the complete tea trade and industry ecosystem, including wholesalers, retailers, packeters and commission agents. The celebration was held in the holy presence and with the blessings of Param Pujya Aacharya Rakeshprasad Maharaj, Pithadhipati, Laxminarayan Dev Gadi, Vadtaldham. Distinguished national tea trade and industry leaders, including Chief Guest Paras Desai, Chairman of the Federation of All India Tea Traders Associations (FAITTA), renowned tea producer and former Chairman of the Tea Board of India and Tea Research Association (TRA) Prabhat Bezboruah, and Sanjay Chaudhary, Vice President of J. Thomas C Co., also graced the occasion. Delegates from major tea-producing centres across Kolkata, Assam and South India attended the celebration.
Delivering the opening address at the 50th AGM held on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, GTTA President Shri Manish Patel recalled the association’s historic journey from its foundation by Founder President Late Shri Piyushbhai Desai to its emergence as a strong organization representing more than 600 active members across the packaging, wholesale, retail and commission agency sectors. Highlighting the significance of Gandhi Jayanti, he called for drawing inspiration from its high principles for the collective and sustainable growth of the association. A solemn tribute was paid to the Late Founder President and recently deceased members, followed by a one-minute silence in their memory.
During the analytical dialogue on the long-term market outlook and modernization of the tea trade, Shri Paras Desai outlined strategic priorities for sustained growth. He emphasized the need to consistently improve tea quality and introduce premium varieties to expand market demand. He also highlighted the importance of developing contemporary flavours and dynamic product offerings to attract younger consumers. He appealed to tea producers to ensure superior-quality bulk packaging for retailers and stressed the importance of proper packaging by C-packers to preserve the freshness and aroma of tea and maintain tea quality throughout its journey from producers to packers, wholesalers, retailers and ultimately consumers.
On the occasion, GTTA formally recognized the contribution of its key structural pillars and expressed special gratitude to main donor and inspirational donor Shri Kiritbhai Manibhai Patel for the permanent headquarters, “Manikaka Tea House”. The association also honoured the family of Late Shri Odhavjibhai Jadavjibhai Patel, a former President of GTTA, whose son Shri Mahendrabhai O. Patel stepped forward as the anchor commercial sponsor and main donor for the 50th-year milestone celebration.
To ensure balanced representation and effective geographical administration across Gujarat, the association confirmed the continuation of its newly reinforced governing body. Led by President Shri Manish Patel and Hon. Secretary Shri Ratanlal Sharma, the core panel includes four Vice Presidents and four Joint Secretaries representing different regions of Gujarat. Shri Chandrakant Prajapati has also been entrusted with social media-related responsibilities.
The historic golden jubilee celebration concluded with an appeal to visiting experts to guide and mentor the next generation of youth in understanding global trade and emerging industry challenges. The event ended on a joyful note with a celebratory networking lunch, bringing together members and industry leaders in a spirit of fraternity and shared commitment to the future of the tea trade. VNI NEWS, GTTA, Gujarat Tea Traders Association, GTTA Golden Jubilee, 50th Golden Jubilee, Tea Traders Gujarat, Tea Industry Gujarat, Salangpur, Tea Trade, Manish Patel, Paras Desai, FAITTA, Tea Board of India, GTTA 50th Golden Jubilee, Gujarat Tea Traders Association, GTTA Golden Jubilee Salangpur, Gujarat tea trade, tea industry Gujarat, VNINews, VNINews.com