The demand for orthodox leaf tea in Kochi auctions has surged, leading to a price increase of ₹6 per kilogram, influenced by robust overseas demand and the seasonal unavailability of tea in North India. The auction saw a high sale percentage, with 90% of the 2,19,171 kg offered quantity being purchased, primarily by North Indian buyers during their winter holidays. This trend is expected to persist until North India's first flush tea becomes available in the market.
Exporters to CIS and Middle Eastern countries showed active participation in the auctions, with notable enquiries from Tunisia adding to the demand. In the CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) leaf category, 93% of the 45,000 kg offered was sold, with prices for the best brokens remaining stable or increasing. This category saw strong support from major packeteers and buyers from Kerala and other parts of India, contributing to the firm market conditions.
However, the market for orthodox dust tea was less dynamic, with only 18% of the 10,500 kg offered being sold, leading to numerous withdrawals due to lower demand. In contrast, the dust tea market was firm and saw an increase in prices, with blenders accounting for 56% of the sold CTC dust in a market where 92% of the 7,73,074 kg offered quantity was sold, despite subdued export demand.