7 months ago
Overseas Demand Boosts Orthodox Tea Prices in Kochi
Tea prices in Kochi, India, have gone up because buyers from the Middle East and other countries are buying more.
This is especially true for whole leaf and broken tea leaves.
The auctioneers said that good quality teas are selling for more money.
Traders also mentioned that Russian buyers are buying a lot, but the market in Iran is not doing well because of problems there.
The chairman of the Tea Trade Association said that tea prices are likely to stay high until mid-February.
After that, there might be some changes before Ramadan and Lent.
Overall, tea prices have been going up because people are drinking more tea and there isn't as much tea available.
Specialty tea shops and cafes are also helping to increase demand.
Overseas demand, especially from Middle East and CIS countries, has pushed up orthodox tea prices in Kochi auctions.
Whole leaf and brokens witnessed strong demand, with prices increasing by Rs5 to Rs10.
92% of the offered 2,42,390 kg of orthodox leaf was sold, with good and medium quality teas being firm to dearer.
Russian buyers showed strong interest, while the Iranian market was subdued due to ongoing unrest.
Tea market sentiment is expected to remain firm or stable until mid-February, with possible corrections thereafter.
- Who
- Overseas buyers, especially from Middle East and CIS countries
- What
- Increase in orthodox tea prices in Kochi auctions
- Where
- Kochi auctions, India
- When
- January 2026, with expected stability until mid-February
- Why
- Strong overseas demand, supply-demand imbalance, and sustained buying interest
Key facts
- Sales Percentage
- 92%
- Offered Quantity (Orthodox Leaf)
- 2,42,390 kg
- Price Increase
- Rs5 to Rs10
- Key Buyers
- Middle East and CIS countries
- Market Sentiment
- Firm or stable until mid-February
- CTC Dust Market
- Fair, steady to easing
- CTC Offered Quantity
- 5,84,882 kg
- CTC Sales Percentage
- 68%
Quotes
Anil George
Chairman of Tea Trade Association of Cochin
“The firm trend reflects a convergence of rising consumer demand, changing drinking habits, and tightening availability, which was clearly visible in the improved auction price benchmarks. The growing popularity of premium tea outlets, café-style tea concepts, and speciality offerings has supported steady off-take, translating into stronger demand at the auction level. At the same time, supply constraints and seasonal production patterns added firmness to the market.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Orthodox teas are likely to continue out-performing, supported by supply-demand imbalance and sustained buying interest from Middle East markets. Tea Market sentiment is expected to remain firm or stable until the second week of February. Some corrections may be seen thereafter ahead of Ramadan and Lent.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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