Export buying lifts Kochi orthodox tea prices by ₹4/kg

Kochi’s Sale 36 orthodox tea average rose week on week to ₹184/kg as CIS and West Asia demand strengthened. Whole-leaf sales cleared 86% of 189,521 kg offered, while CTC dust demand softened after Onam, with 70% of 505,195 kg sold.

— Source publishedFri, 4 Sept, 2026, 11:50 IST·First seen Fri, 4 Sept, 2026, 11:57 IST·Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

Kochi tea auctions · Stronger CIS and West Asia export buying lifted Kochi orthodox tea prices, while CTC prices corrected after Onam amid subdued blender

Key facts

  • Sale 36 average orthodox tea realisation rose ₹4/kg to ₹184 from ₹180 week-on-week
  • Whole leaf offering: 189,521 kg; 86% sold
  • CTC dust offering: 505,195 kg; 70% sold

Why this matters

Export-led strength in orthodox tea reinforces the strategic appeal of assets, sourcing partnerships, or distribution capabilities serving CIS and West Asia, while weak CTC dust demand argues for selective rather than broad-based tea exposure.

What to watch

  • Kochi orthodox auction averages holding above ₹184/kg for two or more sales
  • Sold percentage for whole-leaf offerings remaining near or above 85%
  • CIS and West Asia buying volumes, payment conditions, and currency movements
  • CTC dust clearance rates recovering from the post-Onam slowdown
  • Tea brand MRP revisions, pack-size reductions, and reduced promotional intensity
  • Premium tea brands and private labels may advance-buy orthodox inventory to lock in supply before further export-driven auction gains.
  • Retailers may shift promotions toward CTC-based value blends and tea bags if orthodox procurement costs continue rising.
  • Specialty tea sellers may emphasize origin, whole-leaf quality, and gifting formats to justify modest price increases.
  • Importers and exporters serving CIS and West Asia may compete more aggressively for high-quality Kerala orthodox lots, reducing availability for domestic premium channels.

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