By Mewati Sitaram
In a significant development, the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) and the Tea & Coffee Association of India (TCA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a key step in advancing procurement excellence and expanding knowledge of tea and coffee in the hospitality industry.
Tea and coffee are integral to Indian culture, yet awareness of their sourcing, processing, and quality remains limited. This partnership aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India,” “Vocal for Local,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to promote Indian tea and coffee globally while supporting local farmers.
The MoU will offer training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and industry collaborations, providing hospitality procurement professionals with a deeper understanding of these essential commodities.
Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF, spoke about the significance of this partnership, saying, “This collaboration goes beyond mutual support; it’s about strengthening India’s tea and coffee industry by educating and empowering hospitality procurement professionals. Our structured training programs will ensure that purchase managers are well-equipped to source high-quality, locally produced tea and coffee, in line with the national vision of promoting Indian products globally.”
Pramod Wakode, Founder & President of TCA, added, “Tea and coffee are not just beverages; they are a symbol of India’s rich heritage. This MoU will create an information flow, helping purchase managers understand the nuances of quality, sourcing, and sustainability. More importantly, it will open new business opportunities for farmers, estates, and small-scale producers, strengthening India’s presence in the global tea and coffee market.”
Sunil Kuttan, Project Head – HPMF Future Vision and Legacy, highlighted the long-term impact of the partnership, saying, “The hospitality industry must gain a deeper understanding of the products it serves daily. This MoU will elevate procurement knowledge and support India’s economic growth by promoting innovation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing within the tea and coffee sector.”
Under this agreement, HPMF and TCA will organize training sessions, seminars, and networking events, providing hospitality procurement professionals a platform to engage with tea and coffee growers, estates, and experts. This partnership will enhance India’s reputation as a global leader in tea and coffee production while supporting local industries.
The initiative aims to create a sustainable tea and coffee industry, benefiting local producers and empowering hospitality professionals to make informed procurement decisions.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
