Darjeeling to be twinned with England’s only tea estate

England’s own tea estate has been recognised by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s delegation, who has proposed that Darjeeling is twinned with Tregothnan.

This development recognises over two centuries of pioneering work with camellia, the source of tea, across the estate’s vast acreage in Cornwall (UK).

Tregothnan has a climate with uncanny similarities to its proposed twin. Both Darjeeling and Tregothnan grow enormous rhododendrons and magnolias as well as the tea genus. Tregothnan actually grew camellias at least 50 years before Darjeeling but mainly for ornamental and botanical purposes.

As Tregothnan’s ‘Himalayan’ valleys appealed so much to a visiting delegation from the Indian Chamber of Commerce and its tea specialists, an invitation to twin with the world’s pre-​eminent tea city was proposed.

Jonathon Jones, Tregothnan, said: “This exciting twinning will help us exchange PhD students and collaborate on research projects. There is so much good in tea that isn’t yet known. This is wonderful news for India and the UK-​two great tea drinking nations. We could do with some help processing our leaves as well!”

Ramgopal Agarwal, the chairman of the Bengal branch of the Confederation of Indian Industry, said: “Tregothnan is an innovative estate on such a scale that we feel it is a tremendous opportunity for both the Bengal region in India and Cornwall in England to really join forces and increase tea tourism. Tea is the world’s number one drink and yet is not well understood. What Tregothnan can do in Europe will really open up the possibilities, awareness, and benefits of this ancient beverage.”

 Source: Tregothnan