Quality teas at the Kochi auctions in Sale 30 saw price gains driven by active buying from blenders and exporters across both dust and leaf categories, according to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis.
CTC Dust Market Gains on Blender Demand
The CTC dust market rose by ₹2 per kg to ₹153.88, with an offered quantity of 6,61,231 kg achieving a sales percentage of 73%. Blenders absorbed 72% of the total CTC quantity sold. However, export and upcountry demand remained subdued, Forbes, Ewart & Figgis reported. The price increase reflects active blender interest in dust grades, a trend noted by traders in Sale 30.
Orthodox Dust Market Firm to Dearer
In the orthodox dust segment, prices were firm to dearer, with exporters and upcountry buyers covering a small quantity. The offered quantity was 6,765 kg, with a sales percentage of 89%. The limited volume and high offtake underscore selective demand for quality orthodox dust.
Orthodox Leaf Export Demand Subdued from West Asia
Export demand for orthodox leaves was subdued, particularly from West Asia buyers, while CIS countries remained active in purchases. The offered quantity was 2,69,549 kg with a sales percentage of 92%. Prices for whole leaf and brokens were higher, while the remainder was irregular and lower, with some withdrawal noted. The strong CIS interest helped support the overall market.
CTC Leaf Market Steady to Easing
In CTC leaf, brokens and Fannings barely remained steady and tended to ease. The offered quantity was 34,775 kg with a sales percentage of 84%. The easing trend contrasts with the stronger dust market, indicating a bifurcated demand pattern.
Sale 30 Price and Volume Snapshot
The following table summarizes key metrics across the four main tea categories in Sale 30:
| Grade | Category | Offered Quantity (kg) | Sales % | Price / Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTC Dust | Dust | 6,61,231 | 73% | ₹153.88 (+₹2/kg) |
| Orthodox Dust | Dust | 6,765 | 89% | Firm to dearer |
| Orthodox Leaf | Leaf | 2,69,549 | 92% | Whole leaf & brokens higher |
| CTC Leaf | Leaf | 34,775 | 84% | Brokens & Fannings steady/ease |
Market Outlook Remains Positive
Anil George Joseph of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin said that trade expects the CTC market to remain firm in the coming weeks on festive demand, while the Orthodox market is likely to continue its positive momentum on the back of healthy export orders. The combined interest from blenders and CIS buyers provides a floor for quality grades, even as broader export and upcountry demand shows weakness. Traders and procurement teams will watch upcoming sales for sustained blender activity and any shifts in CIS buying patterns.
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