Paras Desai, Executive Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has been elected Chairman of the Federation of All India Tea Traders&rsquo; Association (FAITTA), the apex body representing tea traders across the country. The association works to safeguard the interests of tea buyers and traders while engaging with government authorities, the Tea Board, and allied industry bodies to address key sectoral issues.
Along with his election, Vidisha Desai, Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has been inducted into FAITTA&rsquo;s Executive Committee.
A fourth-generation entrepreneur from the iconic Wagh Bakri family, Paras Desai has been associated with the group since 1993. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the 132-year-old business into one of India&rsquo;s largest packaged tea companies, with operations in 24 states and exports to more than 60 countries.
Under his leadership, Wagh Bakri has introduced innovations such as instant tea premixes, wellness blends, and tea lounges, while also modernising operations through NABL-accredited testing facilities, strengthened distribution systems, and an expansive retail network. Desai also serves as President of the Western India Tea Dealers Association.
Speaking after his election, Desai said, &ldquo;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.&rdquo;
An alumnus of Ohio State University with a Diploma in Management Studies, Desai is also a skilled tea taster with over three decades of experience. Beyond business, he has been active in CSR initiatives, especially in women&rsquo;s empowerment, education, and rehabilitation projects.
Established in 2014, FAITTA unites tea traders&rsquo; associations from across India to address challenges linked to auctions, trade, packaging, warehousing, and exports. It also works to ensure adherence to FSSAI food safety norms, promotes transparency in tea auctions, and advocates for the industry in the face of rising costs and changing consumer trends.

Wagh Bakri’s Paras Desai elected FAITTA head

Paras Desai of Wagh Bakri takes charge as FAITTA Chairman, vows industry growth focus

Wagh Bakri’s Paras Desai elected FAITTA head

Paras Desai of Wagh Bakri takes charge as FAITTA Chairman, vows industry growth focus

September 29, 2025 | 19:23 IST