Active demand from blenders and upcountry buyers contributed to an increase in tea prices at Coonoor auctions last week. Traders noted that a projected decline in production in North India led buyers to seek tea from the South, as reflected in the strong sales percentages from auction sale 46. South Indian teas, particularly those from the Nilgiris that comply with MRL standards, drew interest from additional upcountry purchasers, including blenders and packers, who offered higher average prices.
According to Global Tea Auctioneer, leaf grades comprised 94 percent of the total offered quantity of 1,464,576 kg, while dust varieties accounted for 412,364 kg, achieving a sales percentage of 93 percent.
Whole Leaf Grades Decline
High-quality teas and premium CTC leaf categories saw price increases ranging from ₹2 to ₹3, aligning with quality expectations. Conversely, better medium grades experienced a slight reduction of ₹1 to ₹2, although some quality lots fetched slightly higher prices of ₹1 to ₹2. Demand for medium and plainer types remained robust, with prices rising by ₹2 to ₹3.
Primary whole leaf grades decreased in price by ₹3 to ₹4, although select quality lots occasionally attracted higher prices of ₹2 to ₹3. In the CTC dust segment, high-quality teas and premium liquoring types witnessed price drops of ₹2 to ₹3, whereas medium and plainer PD varieties remained stable or increased slightly by ₹1 to ₹2.
The primary orthodox dust grades held steady, with some increases of ₹6 to ₹8 depending on quality. The secondary and finer dust categories also saw price stability, with minor increases of ₹2 to ₹3.
Published on November 18, 2025.
