Tea prices strengthened at the Kochi auction this week as demand continued to exceed limited supply.
Premium Orthodox leaf grade rose by ₹5-10 per kg in SAIL:8, while CTC dust prices remained stable. Despite the high levels, market clearance remained strong as quality lots were easily absorbed by domestic blenders and exporters.
Anil George, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, attributed the strong trend to lower arrivals, stable domestic consumption and renewed buying interest from CIS and Middle Eastern markets, especially for orthodox teas. Strong economic activity in Kerala, aggressive local bidding and tight supply chain also influenced prices.
The increase in prices has brought considerable relief to South Indian tea growers, he said.
Help tackle rising input costs
For producers, he said the price improvement helps offset rising labor and fertilizer costs, subject to adequate production levels. If the current demand-supply imbalance continues, prices are expected to remain stable till the end of the month.
Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said the CTC dust market remained strong with 94 per cent of the offered quantity of 6,33,184 kg sold. All blenders together absorbed 66 percent of the total CTC quantity sold. The Orthodox dust market was also strong with 95 per cent of the offered quantity of 11,500 kg sold, with suburban buyers and exporters absorbing the bulk of the quantity.
The offered quantity of Orthodox leaf was 1,90,432 kg, of which 98 per cent was sold due to active support from CIS and Middle East buyers.
Published on February 20, 2026
