Biratnagar, Nov. 4 -- 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...