Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Kochi Tea Auctions Start 2026 Strong
The first tea auction of 2026 in Kochi started with high demand and prices.
Most of the tea offered was sold, especially the dust and leaf varieties.
The average price increased by ₹7 compared to the previous week.
Russian buyers are buying more expensive teas because there isn't enough tea available in Kolkata due to winter.
However, there are some concerns because buyers from Iran are delaying payments due to problems in their country.
Despite this, the demand for good-quality teas remains strong, and shipments are continuing.
Kochi Tea auctions opened 2026 with strong demand and higher prices for CTC and orthodox teas.
Average price realization increased by ₹7 to ₹181 compared to the previous week.
99% of CTC dust and 92% of orthodox leaf teas were sold, with strong demand from blenders and upcountry buyers.
Russian buyers showed strong interest in high-priced teas due to winter crop absence in Kolkata.
Iranian buyers' delayed payments due to unrest are causing concerns, but demand for good-quality teas remains firm.
- Who
- Kochi Tea Auctions, Forbes, Ewart & Figgis, Tea Trade Association of Cochin, Russian and Iranian buyers
- What
- Strong demand and higher prices for CTC and orthodox teas at Kochi Tea auctions
- When
- January 2026
- Where
- Kochi, India
- Why
- Widespread demand for dust and leaf varieties, with Russian buyers picking up high-priced teas due to winter crop absence in Kolkata
- Average Price Realization
- ₹181 (up ₹7 from previous week)
- Total CTC Quantity Sold
- 99% of 5,85,710 kg
- Orthodox Dust Market Sales
- 59% of 8,000 kg
- Orthodox Leaf Market Sales
- 92% of 2,59,426 kg
- Iran's Annual Tea Import
- 35–38 million kg (3–5% from South India)