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West Asia détente brews revival in Kochi orthodox tea market
Orthodox tea sales hit 98% at Kochi as Middle East buyers return. Prices rose ₹4 per kg. CIS demand and quality premiums drive the revival.
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Tea workers pluck tea leaves inside a plantation Kerala
Easing tensions in West Asia appear to have helped revive the orthodox tea market at the Kochi auctions, with overseas buyers showing strong demand. According to traders, the orthodox segment is on a revival path as concerns over the war have eased, prompting exporters to increase shipments.
This was reflected in the 98% sales percentage recorded in Sale 33 out of the offered quantity of 2,38,637 kg. The average price realization also increased by ₹4 per kg to ₹177, compared with ₹173 in the previous week.
The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said medium whole leaf witnessed strong features with longer margins of ₹5 to ₹10 and sometimes more. Brokens were steady to firm while lesser ones were firm to dearer.
Anil George Joseph, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin said continued participation by Middle East and CIS buyers provided positive support to the orthodox market, particularly for premium-quality teas. Larger whole-leaf grades gained ₹3–5 per kg, depending on quality, while primary brokens appreciated by more than ₹5 per kg.