When Nepal’s tea producers in the eastern hills began reaching out to international markets, they found an unlikely ally in a German tea professional. Though not Nepali, Thomas Holz developed a close relationship with the country’s tea growers, built on a shared belief in the potential of Nepali tea.

Over the years, Holz played an important role in introducing tea from Ilam to European consumers, particularly in Germany. What began as a commercial partnership grew into a personal bond with growers, cooperatives and the people behind the industry.

On Tuesday, Gorkha Tea Estate in Sunderpani, ward 9 of Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam, organised a ceremonial farewell to honour his contribution to expanding the market for Nepali tea.

Holz recently retired on reaching the age limit from his position at TeaGschwendner. He had travelled to Nepal a few days earlier, giving the estate and local tea producers an opportunity to recognise his work.

“We honoured him for his contribution to taking Nepali tea to Germany and other international markets and helping expand its reach,” said Udaya Kumar Chapagain, founding chair of Gorkha Tea Estate. “He was given a grand farewell accompanied by a traditional Naumati musical ensemble.”

Chapagain said the partnership with Holz and TeaGschwendner had helped expand the market for Nepali tea, with benefits extending beyond the estate to affiliated cooperatives, farmers and the wider tea industry.

“Our collaboration was very important. It benefited not only Gorkha Tea Estate but also the cooperatives and farmers associated with us,” he said.

Representing local tea growers and other stakeholders, Jaya Rai, vice-chair of Sunderpani Tea Cooperative, presented Holz and TeaGschwendner with a memorandum of appreciation. The cooperative also sought their continued support in connecting tea farming with tourism.

Farmers are particularly keen to develop homestays in and around tea gardens and promote rural tourism, creating additional income opportunities for local communities.

Holz, for his part, said his retirement would not bring an end to his relationship with Nepali tea growers. “Even in retirement, my support for and affection towards Nepali tea farmers will continue,” he said.

Representatives of the Sunderpani, Eco and Bauddhadham tea cooperatives, along with farmers and other stakeholders from the tea sector, attended the farewell.