Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. (HML), an RPG Group Company, has won the prestigious Gold Medal at the North American Tea Competition 2025. The tea from HML’s Arrapetta Estate, Wayanad, Kerala, was announced the winner at the 2025 Gold Medal Tea and Sustainability Awards at the 14th annual North American Tea Conference held at Charleston, USA.
HML, which manages 24 estates across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, earned the honour for Specialty Teas from Different Origins category. The tea was evaluated based on its exceptional quality, consistency, and commitment to sustainable plantation practices. Besides competition from other tea growing countries, 31 samples from India alone were evaluated for the award.
Cherian M. George, HML CEO & Whole Time Director, said, “This award is a recognition for our team’s expertise to manufacture teas with world-class quality in a sustainable manner. The award highlights the company’s dedication to producing teas of distinctive taste and character while adopting eco-friendly cultivation methods that safeguard the environment. It reaffirms HML’s vision of blending traditional expertise with modern innovation.”
The competition is organised by Tea Association of the U.S.A., Inc. and the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada. The achievement also positions HML as a leading promoter of Indian specialty teas on the global stage. Apart from HML, one more estate has been awarded as winner from India.
Quick Factsheet
- HML Estates has consistently earned recognition for its teas, including multiple honours at The Golden Leaf India Awards (TGLIA) over the years. The company also supplies sustainably certified products endorsed by leading organisations such as Rainforest Alliance, ISO, Trustea, and the Ethical Tea Partnership.
- Exports to 14 countries and largest producer exporter from South India.
- Has consistently been rank high for best companies to work by Great Place to Work Institute, India.
- One of the largest private employer in Kerala.
- Women comprise almost 60% of HML’s employees.