The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) and the Tea & Coffee Association of India (TCA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, marking a significant milestone in enhancing procurement excellence and expanding knowledge about tea and coffee in the hospitality industry.
Tea and coffee are an integral part of Indian culture and daily life, yet there remains limited awareness about their sourcing, processing, and quality. This strategic partnership aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India,” “Vocal for Local,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to promote Indian tea and coffee on a global scale while empowering local farmers and producers.
The MoU will facilitate extensive training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring that hospitality procurement professionals gain a deeper understanding of these essential commodities.
Speaking on the occasion, *Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF*, stated, “This collaboration is more than just an understanding to support each other, it is about strengthening India’s tea and coffee industry by educating and empowering hospitality procurement professionals. Through structured training programs, we will ensure that purchase managers are well equipped to source high quality, locally produced tea and coffee, aligning with the national vision of promoting Indian products globally.”
*Mr. 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 open doors for massive information flow, helping purchase managers understand the nuances of quality, sourcing, and sustainability. More importantly, it will create new business opportunities for farmers, tea and coffee estates, and small scale producers, strengthening India’s presence in the global tea and coffee market.”
*Mr. Sunil Kuttan, Project Head – HPMF Future Vision and Legacy*, emphasized the long term impact of this partnership, stating, “The hospitality industry must embrace a deeper understanding of the products it serves daily. This MoU will not only elevate procurement knowledge but also support India’s economic growth by fostering innovation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing within the tea and coffee sector.”
Through this agreement, HPMF and TCA will organize specialized training sessions, industry seminars, and networking events, creating a platform for hospitality procurement professionals to engage with tea and coffee growers, estates, and industry experts. This partnership will contribute significantly to India’s growing reputation as a global leader in tea and coffee production while supporting government initiatives to boost local industries.
