Rajivs lightly tongue-in-cheek comparison of Darjeeling, Nepal and Sikkim (which was and is meant in the best of spirits, namely to show how competition and changing buying practices can uplift quality) brought me to ponder a parallel. Namely, Dooars. It is well know that there exists but little climatic and soil difference between upper Dooars and lower Darjeeling. It is also known - though maybe not quite as well and publicly ;-) - that in the past, the best Dooars qualities were hardly ever sold as such, and were certainly not appreciated overseas under their name, but somehow ended up in Darjeeling tea chests or packages.... This is changing now; mostly due to business success of chain franchising stores that can buy smaller batches directly from the producers and sell those in retail at boutique prices. It is also due to a changing consumer pattern: Whereas previously, a reliable steady cuppa quality was desired year in year out, and brand or garden loyalty was very strong (the CTC sector still feeds on that), the newer buying public is eager to spend, and eager to quaff another novelty ever so often. Thai oolongs, whites from Darjeeling, silver needles and peony styles from Africa, New Zealand tea (dastardly expensive !)... you name them. So, here is one example of the new Dooars (Putharjora), selling at a nice price. Maybe it can encourage small farmers in other parts of India: tee.at/tee/tea-taster-selection/dooars-putharjhora-ftgfop1-first-flush-2014-flugtee.html
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 12:29:45 +0000
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