Piyushbhai Desai, Wagh Bakri Tea Group Chairman, Passes Away

• Bilkul Online
• Ahmedabad | 18 Sept 2026

The Indian tea industry has lost one of its veteran figures with the passing of Piyushbhai Desai, Chairman of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, on September 15, 2026. He was associated with the tea trade for more than six decades and made a lasting contribution to the industry and the growth of the Wagh Bakri legacy.

A respected tea taster, connoisseur and industry leader, Desai played a key role in expanding Wagh Bakri Tea Group beyond Gujarat and establishing its presence across multiple states. His approach to business was built around quality, integrity, long-term relationships and collective growth.

Desai believed that business carried a responsibility towards society and its stakeholders. His vision extended beyond business growth to the development of the wider tea ecosystem, including growers, producers, workers, traders, employees and consumers.

His contribution also extended to industry associations. He was a founding member of the Gujarat Tea Traders Association (GTTA), Western India Tea Dealers Association (WITDA) and Federation of All India Tea Traders Associations (FAITTA). He served as the first president of GTTA and worked to strengthen the tea trade community in Gujarat.

Earlier this year, the Northeastern Tea Association honoured Desai with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the Indian tea industry.

Deeply influenced by Gandhian philosophy, Desai was associated with Gujarat Vidhyapith and contributed to its activities. He also served as President of the Blind People’s Association (India) for approximately two years and was a Trustee of Sadvichar Parivar, contributing to its various initiatives.

The principle of “Giving Back to Society” remained an important part of his life and reflected the values of the Desai family. His work across education, community welfare and social service complemented his contribution to the tea industry.

Desai remained actively involved with the Wagh Bakri business for several decades and was closely associated with its affairs until 2020. He subsequently continued to guide the next generation as a mentor, passing on the values and principles that shaped his approach to business.

The foundation he helped build has supported the next generation of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, which has expanded significantly and established the brand as a household name among tea consumers across India and in more than 66 countries.

For the tea industry, Desai’s passing marks the end of a long and influential chapter. His legacy will continue through the business he helped shape, the industry institutions he contributed to and the values of quality, integrity and collective growth that defined his professional journey.