India's tea industry and the cultural evolution of chai

The tea industry in India encompasses a vast ecosystem including plantations, processing factories, wholesalers, and exporters. Production is primarily concentrated in regions such as Assam, West Bengal, and parts of southern India. The market is currently seeing a shift in consumer preferences, with growing demand for specialty blends, green tea, herbal infusions, and iced tea, alongside a rise in online purchasing.

Chai, which means ‘tea’ in Hindi, has evolved from an ancient Ayurvedic herbal and spiced medicinal drink into a widely consumed beverage. The modern version, which incorporates black tea and milk, became prevalent following the introduction of tea cultivation during the British colonial era. While traditional chai is often prepared by simmering black tea with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, the ‘chai latte’ represents a Western adaptation that incorporates steamed milk into the spiced tea base.