Piyushbhai Desai, Chairman of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, passed away on September 15, 2026. A veteran of the Indian tea industry, Desai was associated with the tea trade for more than six decades and played a key role in shaping the growth of the Wagh Bakri brand.
A tea taster and connoisseur, Desai was instrumental in taking Wagh Bakri Tea Group beyond its Gujarat roots and expanding its presence across multiple states. His approach to business was guided by quality, integrity, long-term relationships and collective growth.
Desai also advocated for a broader responsibility towards stakeholders across the tea ecosystem, including growers, producers, workers, traders, employees and consumers.
His contribution to the industry extended beyond the Wagh Bakri business. 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 also served as the first president of GTTA, where he worked towards strengthening the tea trading community in Gujarat.
Earlier in 2026, Desai was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northeastern Tea Association for his contribution to the Indian tea industry.
Deeply influenced by Gandhian philosophy, Desai was also associated with Gujarat Vidhyapith and contributed to its initiatives. He served as President of the Blind People's Association (India) for around two years and was a trustee of Sadvichar Parivar.
His work across these institutions reflected his focus on education, community welfare, service and social responsibility. The principle of “Giving Back to Society” was also a value he carried forward from the Desai family’s ethos.
Desai remained actively involved with the Wagh Bakri business for several decades and was closely associated with its affairs until 2020. During this period, he also mentored the next generation and helped pass on the values that shaped the business.
The foundation built by Desai and the values he instilled have continued to guide the next generation of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group. Under its current leadership, the group has expanded its footprint and is now present in more than 66 countries.
Desai’s passing marks the end of a six-decade association with the Indian tea industry. His contribution spans the tea business as well as industry institutions and social organisations, leaving behind a legacy centred on quality, integrity, service and collective growth.
