Paras Desai, Executive Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has been elected Chairman of the Federation of All India Tea Traders’ Association (FAITTA), the national apex body representing tea traders across the country. FAITTA engages with government authorities, tea boards, and allied associations on behalf of tea buyers and traders. Alongside this, Vidisha Desai, Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has joined FAITTA’s Executive Committee.
Desai, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, has been associated with Wagh Bakri since 1993. The group is among India’s largest packaged tea businesses, with operations in 24 states and exports to more than 60 countries. Under his leadership, the company has set up an NABL-accredited in-house testing laboratory, launched instant tea premixes, wellness blends, and Wagh Bakri Tea Lounges, while also expanding distribution and retail networks. He also serves as President of the Western India Tea Dealers Association.
On his election, Paras 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 is a trained tea taster with over three decades of experience. He has also supported corporate social responsibility initiatives in areas including women’s empowerment, education, and rehabilitation.
Established in 2014, FAITTA represents tea traders’ associations from across India. It addresses sectoral issues related to auctions, wholesale and retail trade, packaging, warehousing, and exports. The body works to ensure compliance with FSSAI residue norms, encourages transparency in auction practices, and engages with regulators on challenges ranging from rising costs to the shift from loose to packaged tea.
