Winter has started hitting crop arrivals at the Kochi auction platform with a drop reported in leaf and dust grade arrivals.

Owners of tea gardens in the high ranges said the current situation is expected to continue till the start of pre-summer rains by February or March. The sector has already registered a 15-20 per cent drop in 2024-25 on account of various factors and is hoping for a revival in the current season once the climatic conditions improve.

Traders said the closure of North Indian tea estates for winter has forced major packateers and blenders to procure quality tea from South Indian auctions especially orthodox leaves because of the availability of low quality brews there.

In sale 3, the offered quantity in orthodox leaf was 2,71,408 kg, witnessing 87 per cent sales. The average price realisation was up by ₹1 at ₹195 compared to ₹194 in the previous week.

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CTC market lower

The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said the market for whole leaf and brokens was steady to firm, while the rest was irregular and lower. Overseas buyers from Middle East and CIS countries lent useful support along with blenders and upcountry buyers.

However, CTC leaf market was lower with an offering of 53,500 kg. The sales percentage was only 66 with good liquoring brokens remaining dearer. All sections of the trade were selective and subdued.

Meanwhile, the demand was strong in CTC dust with a sales percentage of 90 out of the offered quantity of 7,81,086 kg with 55 per cent of the total quantity absorbed by blenders. Popular marks of Kerala witnessed strong feature and appreciated more. Good liquorings was steady to firm and dearer. Some export enquiry noticed at the bottom of the market.

In orthodox dust, primary grades was firm and sometimes dearer and witnessed some withdrawal. Exporters and upcountry buyers absorbed bulk of the offerings. The quantity offered was 21,500 kg.