Europe snaps up more Darjeeling tea as new rules kick in
Growers in Darjeeling report stronger demand from Europe for this yearÂ’s harvest in anticipation of tighter regulations relating to its provenance that take effect in 2016. In line with the Protected Geographical Indication status achieved in 2011, all tea sold as Darjeeling within the EU needs to come from that specific region and cannot be blended with other teas. Until now, only 51% of leaves needed to be from Darjeeling to qualify for the label and retailers were granted a transitional 5-year period. However, despite stronger exports to the EU this year, purchase prices have not increased, while costs of production have. Compared to 2014, overall annual exports of Darjeeling tea are expected to inch 1% higher at most to 4 million kilograms, while total production is estimated to reach 8 million kilograms.