Christmas holidays boost demand at Kochi tea auctions
Kochi tea auction market witnessed buoyant sales all around due to the absence of sales next week, owing to the Christmas holidays.
The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said that the demand was strong, with 96 per cent sales out of the offered quantities of 6,94,660 kg in CTC dust with good liquoring teas were firm to dearer by ₹3 to ₹4 and sometimes more following quality. Medium teas witnessed strong features and appreciated with longer margins of ₹5 to ₹10 and occasionally more.
All blenders together absorbed 68 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold. The average price realisation was up by ₹3 at ₹167 compared to ₹164 quoted in the previous week.
Orthodox irregular
Orthodox dust market was irregular and lower, witnessing a lot of withdrawals. The offered quantity was 24,500 kg. Upcountry buyers absorbed a small quantity offered.
Anil George, president of Tea Trade Association of Cochin said the market recorded a clear upward correction after a phase of consolidation over the previous six auctions. Strong seasonal demand linked to Sabarimala, Christmas buying, lower future offerings, reduced crop arrivals during November–December, and the dropping of Sale 52 collectively strengthened market sentiment. Demand was quality-driven, with buyers displaying greater confidence in consistent liquoring teas.
Buying interest was supported by major blenders with selective participation from regional and local trade. Overall, the market confirms a quality-led recovery, favouring producers who maintain process discipline and consistency, he said.
In orthodox leaf category, traders said that exporters to CIS and Middle East countries were active, with all categories except for secondary grades witnessed a good sales momentum. The quantity offered was 2,82,258 kg witnessing a sales percentage of 89. The average price realisation was up by ₹2 at ₹176 compared to ₹174 in the previous week. Select best invoices were steady to firm.
Published on December 19, 2025
