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KochiTea Auctions Surge: Russian Buyers Boost Prices
9 Jan
Summary
- First KochiTea auction of 2026 saw prices rise to ₹181, a ₹7 increase.
- Russian buyers are driving demand for high-priced teas due to Kolkata's winter crop absence.
- Delayed payments from Iran buyers are a growing concern for tea traders.
The initial KochiTea auction of 2026 commenced with robust demand for both dust and leaf varieties. Prices saw a notable increase, with the average realization for Sale 1 reaching ₹181, up by ₹7 from the previous week. CTC dust teas experienced a significant price hike, with 99% of the offered quantity sold, primarily to blenders and upcountry buyers.
Orthodox leaf teas also performed well, achieving 92% sales. Russian buyers emerged as key purchasers of high-priced quality teas, largely due to the winter crop shortage in Kolkata. This demand helps offset market uncertainties, though traders note a slowdown in orthodox purchases.
Despite ongoing payment delays from Iran stemming from the country's unrest, demand for premium orthodox teas remains firm. While South India supplies a small percentage of Iran's tea imports, buyers are proceeding with caution, impacting overall orthodox purchasing. The Tea Trade Association of Cochin acknowledges the situation but expects shipments to continue.
