History & Origin of Assam Tea Initially, the British felt that the Assam tea plant was inferior. But later they realized that the Chinese variety was unable to survive the hot weather conditions in Assam. Eventually, they decided to go ahead with the Assamese plant. By 1838, the first consignment of 12 chests of Assam tea had reached London. Subsequently (in February 1839) the Assam Company the first joint-stock tea company was formed in London. This was followed by the setting up of other companies like George Williamson and Jorehaut Tea Company