Cautious demand hits tea prices in Kochi auctions

The CTC dust market has witnessed fair yet cautious demand in Kochi tea auctions, with buyers remaining highly quality conscious.

Traders said that market uncertainty and closure of hotels and way-side eateries due to LPG shortage and labour shortage has hit local teas sales as well in the auction market.

In sale 21, good liquoring teas were lower by ₹1-2 a kg and noticed some withdrawal. Medium teas were also lower and witnessed lot of withdrawal due to lack of bid. The offered quantity was 5,61,688 kg, witnessing a sales percentage of 76. The average price realization was down ₹2 per kg at ₹155.55 compared to ₹157.88 in the previous week.

All blenders together absorbed 71 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.

Orthodox dust market was also down with primary grades firms to dearer, while secondary teas were unsold.  

Lower weighted average

Anil George, President of Tea Trade Association of Cochin, said that the orthodox market continued firm, supported by strong demand for well-made whole leaf teas. Active participation from Middle East and CIS buyers ensured healthy sale percentages.

The auctioneers said that total weighted average in the auction was lower compared to previous week, primarily due to the higher quantity of low medium and secondary teas sold.

The offered quantity was 1,76,993 kg with a sales percentage of 94. The average price realization was down by ₹6 per kg at ₹178.44. The market for whole leaf and brokens was firm to dearer, while the rest was irregular and lower.

CIS and neighbouring countries lent useful support, while fair enquiry noticed from Middle East.

Published on May 22, 2026