Topic
tea
Supply Chain Harrisons Malayalam Pilots Drone-Based Green Leaf Transport at Lockhart Estate Near Munnar
Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) has successfully trialled a payload drone for transporting freshly harvested green leaf from tea fields at its Lockhart Estate, in collaboration with drone technology partner Tropoworks. The initiative aims to improve field logistics, enhance productivity, reduce manual handling, and ensure faster movement of green leaf to the factory. HML plans to be among the first tea plantation companies to deploy payload drones for routine transport.
Commodities Quality Tea Prices Rise in Kochi Auctions as Blenders, Exporters Drive Demand
Quality teas in Kochi auctions saw higher prices from blenders and exporters in both dust and leaf categories. CTC dust prices rose by ₹2/kg to ₹153.88, with blenders absorbing 72% of sold quantity. Orthodox leaf demand from CIS countries supported the market while West Asia demand was subdued.
Commodities Weather Shocks, Structural Weaknesses Fuel Volatility in Coffee, Cocoa, Tea Prices, Says FAO
A new FAO report highlights that weather-related shocks remain the primary driver of price volatility in coffee, cocoa, and tea markets. Supply concentration and growing consumption create fertile ground for swings. Price changes are not transmitted evenly, with producers bearing the brunt.
Commodities CropLife India Expands Sustainable Farming Initiatives for Tea and Spices Amid Global Residue Standards
CropLife India is intensifying efforts to promote sustainable cultivation in India's tea and spice sectors to comply with stringent global pesticide residue standards, especially in the EU. Initiatives include awareness programs for small tea growers, a consolidated list of approved crop protection products for key spices, and advocacy for a crop grouping framework to expedite MRL establishment.
Commodities Tea Board Defers Web-Based Auction Rollout Again; Kolkata Launch Pushed to Sale 31
The Tea Board has once again deferred the rollout of its web-based auction platform at Kolkata, originally scheduled for July 14, to Sale 31 (July 21-22). The decision follows feedback from the core committee after mock sessions revealed the platform, developed by Tradeforge Technologies, is not yet ready for live implementation. Rollouts at Coonoor and other centres have also been postponed.
Commodities West Asia Tensions Dampen Export Buying of Tea at Kochi Auctions, Down ₹4/kg
Ongoing West Asia tensions have led tea exporters to adopt cautious procurement, resulting in subdued buying at Kochi auctions. Orthodox tea prices fell ₹4/kg week-over-week, while CTC teas remain supported by domestic demand. Exporters face doubled freight rates and port congestion.
Commodities Overseas Demand from CIS and West Asia Lifts Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Overseas demand, particularly from CIS and West Asia, has lifted tea prices at the Kochi auctions as the West Asian crisis eases. Orthodox grades saw a 92% sales out of 2,80,925 kg offered, while CTC dust was dearer by Rs1-2 with 89% sales. The trend is expected to continue, according to traders.
Commodities Deficit summer rains in South India slash May 2026 tea output by 3.54% year-on-year
India's tea production in May 2026 fell 3.54% year-on-year to 131.60 million kg, driven by a 25% decline in South India due to deficit summer rains. North India saw a marginal increase. Tamil Nadu output dropped 28%, while Kerala fell 16%. The Tea Board data highlights the impact of dry weather on the key growing regions.
Commodities Tea Board defers rollout of new web-based tea auction platform after stakeholder concerns
The Tea Board has deferred the rollout of its new web-based tea auction platform, originally set for June 30 in Kolkata and July 2 in Coonoor, to mid-July after representations from stakeholders across all auction centres. The Tradeforge platform will replace the existing NSEIT system, aiming for improved transparency and efficiency, with a transition period allowing both systems to operate simultaneously.
Commodities Tea Trade Association of Cochin Proposes Unified Pan-India Auction Platform for Transparency
The Tea Trade Association of Cochin (TTAC) has proposed a unified pan-India tea auction platform to address market fragmentation. Speaking at a high-powered committee meeting, TTAC president Anil George Joseph outlined the need for a seamless national marketplace with real-time analytics and integration. The proposal includes demands for declaring tea as India's national drink, stricter adulteration enforcement, and enhanced funding for research and innovation.
Commodities Orthodox Tea Prices Edge Up at Coonoor Auctions as West Asia Truce Boosts Demand
Tea prices were marginally up at Coonoor auctions last week, driven by improved demand for orthodox varieties following the normalisation of issues in West Asia after a recent truce. Sales volumes were robust, with leaf categories seeing 95% of offered quantity sold, while dust achieved 92%. Price movements varied by grade, with orthodox primary whole leaf and brokens dearer by ₹4–5 per kg.
Commodities West Asia demand drives orthodox tea prices higher at Kochi auctions
Kochi tea auctions saw orthodox tea prices rise by around ₹13 per kg as easing West Asia tensions revived export demand. Improved crop quality from recent rains and stable buying from Russia, Iran, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries drove the uptick.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Tea Board to Launch Web-Based Auction Platform on June 30, Migrating from NSEIT System
The Tea Board will launch a new web-based tea auction platform on June 30, developed by Tradeforge Technologies under a Build-Own-Operate model. The platform will first go live in Kolkata for Sale No. 27, with a phased rollout to other auction centres. Existing auction processes remain unchanged, but the new system promises improved security and cost-effectiveness.
Commodities Blenders and Upcountry Buyers Drive Tea Prices Higher at Coonoor Auctions
Tea prices at Coonoor auctions rose by Rs2 per kg on average, driven by brisk demand from blenders and upcountry buyers. Lower offerings supported the uptick, with CTC leaf and orthodox grades showing varied price movements.
Commodities West Asia Tensions Weigh on Orthodox Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Ongoing war-related uncertainty in West Asia has dented export demand for orthodox teas at the Kochi tea auctions, with prices falling ₹6 per kg. Auctioneers report buyer resistance in Sale No. 24 amid renewed US-Iran tensions, while exporters serving Gulf and CIS markets provide only limited support. The orthodox offering of 255,383 kg saw 85% sold at an average of ₹178.60/kg, down from ₹184.78 last week.
Trade Basmati rice, tea exports to West Asia grind to halt as Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts trade
Exports of basmati rice and premium orthodox tea from India to West Asia have ceased due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Three vessels laden with 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice are idling at Kandla Port. Tea exporters are unable to fulfill orders from GCC countries, with only small consignments moving via Turkey. The disruption follows an attack on the Indian-flagged vessel MT Marivex off Oman.
Commodities Assam's Tea Output Surge Boosts India's April Production by 5%
India's tea production increased by 5% in April 2026, reaching 104.28 million kg, primarily due to a significant output rebound in Assam. Favorable weather conditions contributed to a 36% increase in Assam's production, while other regions like West Bengal and South India saw declines.
Commodities Assam's Second Flush Tea Prices Surge on Quality Boost
Assam's second flush tea prices have surged due to favorable weather conditions leading to high-quality production. The average price at the Guwahati auction center rose significantly, reflecting strong demand.
Commodities Muted Demand Pressures Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Tea prices at Kochi auctions have declined due to muted demand and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The auction saw a decrease in prices for popular grades, with a notable drop in CTC dust market prices.
Commodities Kochi Tea Auctions Face Uncertainty Amid West Asia Tensions
Kochi's tea auctions are experiencing a decline in overseas buyer activity due to escalating tensions in West Asia. Orthodox tea sales have decreased, with a notable percentage of unsold quantities. The market sentiment remains weak, but potential improvements are expected as the Onam season approaches.