Rising demand coupled with low offers has pushed up tea prices at the Kochi auction, with orthodox leaves especially rising by ₹15 per kg.
Traders attributed the rise in prices to drop in temperatures at high levels which is affecting tea production, leading to reduced arrivals at the auction platform. The quantity offered in Cell 7 in Orthodox leaves was 1,57,560 kg, and it recorded 97 per cent sales with strong buying from CIS and Middle East countries. Traders said almost all production centers are witnessing a similar trend of liquor shortage due to winter and buyers are rushing to buy the available quantity.
Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart and Figgis said that whole leaves and broken parts were worth ₹5 to ₹10 and sometimes even more. Clear black and well formed medium whole leaves and broken fruits showed strong characteristics and fetched higher prices by ₹10 to ₹20.
93% dust sold
CTC leaf also witnessed good demand and 91 per cent of the offered quantity of 37,000 kg was sold. Brocken and Fannings were more expensive in all categories.
CTC Dust prices also witnessed strong demand and well brewed teas sold at stable rates. As the sale progressed, the market became more expensive, especially towards the end. The quantity offered was 5,90,812 kg with 93 per cent sales and all blenders together absorbed 69 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold.
Published on February 13, 2026
