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Elevating South Indian Teas: TGLIA Showcases Regional Diversity
16 Nov
Summary
- TGLIA brings out unique attributes of south Indian tea regions
- High-elevation teas from Nilgiris and High Ranges are especially flavorful
- Woodbriar Group and Harrisons Malayalam win multiple TGLIA awards
As of November 16th, 2025, the TGLIA (Tea Growers' Landscape Improvement Association) has played a pivotal role in showcasing the unique attributes of south Indian tea regions. According to Santosh Kumar, the chief executive of Harrisons Malayalam (HML) in Kochi, the TGLIA has helped bring the special qualities of various tea-growing areas in the region to the forefront.
The majority of south India's tea regions lie within the Western Ghats, each with its distinct characteristics. The tea from Karnataka's Malnad belt is described as rather quiet and unfussy, while Wayanad in Kerala, bordering Karnataka, boasts a nearly 100-year tea history. The Nilgiris and the High Ranges, including the world's highest tea estate Kolukkumalai, are known for their especially flavorful high-elevation teas. Further south, the Travancore region in Kerala is rich in biodiversity and produces well-balanced teas.
The TGLIA was created to showcase the potential of south Indian teas, with the awards serving as a platform to highlight the unique terroir and flavors of each agro-climatic zone. Woodbriar Group and Harrisons Malayalam have emerged as top performers, each winning eight TGLIA awards. Consumers can now explore the winning tea brands, including Harrisons Tea Town, Parry Agro, Briar Tea, Darmona Tea, and Ripple Tea, both online and in-store.
