8 PERCENT EXCISE WILL HIT BRANDED TEA EXPORTS

Article Abstract:

The eight percent excise duty imposed on tea by the union budget for 1998-99 is expected to hit the Rs850 crore branded tea segment severely. The domestic tea market will be first hit which in turn will upset the technical upgradation for exports. The excise levy will increase the prices of the domestic branded tea by at least Rs12 per kg leading to fall in demand and consequently a funds crunch for modernisation. At present, exports of value-added tea account for 49 percent of India's total tea exports, amounting to Rs1,800 crore. (gsh)

Comment:

India: Eight percent excise duty on tea by union budget for 1998-99 is seen to hit Rs850 crore branded tea segment severely

Taxes

TEA BOARD MOVES TO GUARD DARJEELING TEA ABROAD

Article Abstract:

The Government of India is to take up precautionary measures to safeguard Darjeeling tea, India's leading product. The Tea Board of India will popularise a logo for Darjeeling tea. It has applied for a certification of trade mark in London. Once the trade mark is given, the Tea Board will have the power to issue licences to tea gardens in Darjeeling to sell their tea as the original Darjeeling tea brand. (gs)

Comment:

India: Tea Board will popularize logo for Darjeeling tea & applies for certification of trade mark in London

Government domestic functions

SUCCESS COMES PACKED IN SACHET FOR HLL

Article Abstract:

Hindustan Lever Ltd, having successfully launched personal care products in sachets, is now introducing tea, coffee and jams in small packets. It has introduced Kissan jams in 25 gms single-use sachets, priced at Rs2 per sachet. The small sachet concept has made the jam category grow by 5 percent against an yearly decline of 5 percent in jams. (khr)

Product introduction, Fruit and Vegetable Canning, Processed Coffee, Jams, Jellies & Preserves, Coffee (Beverage), Hindustan Lever Ltd., Fruit spreads