Restaurant India News: Paras Desai Takes Charge as FAITTA Chairman to Strengthen India’s Tea Ecosystem

Paras Desai, Executive Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Federation of All India Tea Traders' Association (FAITTA), the national apex organization representing tea traders across the country. FAITTA plays a key role in addressing sectoral issues with government authorities, tea boards, and industry associations to safeguard the interests of tea buyers and traders. Alongside this appointment, Vidisha Desai, Director at Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has joined FAITTA’s Executive Committee.

Desai represents the fourth generation of the Wagh Bakri Tea family and has been part of the company since 1993. Over the years, he has led the group’s expansion into one of India’s largest packaged tea businesses, with operations spanning 24 states and exports to over 60 countries. His leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the company’s operations, enhancing distribution systems, and expanding its retail presence.

Under his guidance, Wagh Bakri established an NABL-accredited in-house testing laboratory and introduced several product innovations, including instant tea premixes, wellness blends, and the Wagh Bakri Tea Lounges. Desai also holds the position of President of the Western India Tea Dealers Association.

Desai said, “It is truly an honour to lead FAITTA and I sincerely thank all members for their trust and cooperation, as well as the past Chairmen and office bearers for their immense contributions. The tea industry today is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by evolving consumer tastes and pressing challenges such as climate change. My focus will be to work closely with industry members, government, and regulators to further strengthen the tea category. I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to address both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

Desai holds a diploma in management studies from Ohio State University, US, and brings more than three decades of expertise as a tea taster. He has also been actively involved in various corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, education, and rehabilitation.

Founded in 2014, FAITTA brings together tea traders’ associations from across India to address key industry issues, including auctions, wholesale and retail trade, packaging, warehousing, and exports. The body plays a vital role in ensuring adherence to food safety standards such as FSSAI residue norms, encouraging transparency in auctions, and protecting traders amid changing regulations, rising costs, and a consumer shift from loose to packaged tea.

Desai’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for India’s tea sector, which is navigating evolving consumer preferences, regulatory frameworks, and supply chain dynamics. His leadership at FAITTA is expected to drive collaborative solutions for the industry’s long-term growth.