CTC Tea Fetches Record Price At Guwahati Tea Auction Centre

The non-speciality granular CTC tea fetched a record price of Rs 723 per kilogram at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) recently. CTC, which stands for crush, tear, and curl, refers to a process that produces the black tea commonly consumed across India.

GTAC Secretary Dinesh Bihani announced that two lots from Hookhmol Tea Estate set the new record, surpassing the previous high of Rs 705 per kilogram achieved by a lot from the Haroocharai Tea Estate in 2023.

“These lots were sold by J. Thomas & Co. and purchased by Arihant Tea Co. and Shree Jagdamba Tea Syndicate. The remarkable price has reaffirmed faith in the auction system,” Bihani said. He highlighted concerns over teas being sold outside the traditional auction system, which has impacted prices for both major tea estates and small tea growers (STGs) in recent years.

STG-grown tea also performed well, fetching Rs 436 per kilogram, the third-highest price after Rs 490 and Rs 460 per kilogram recorded at GTAC in 2023. The STG teas were made by Rajajuli Bought Leaf Factory (BLF) under the name Dharamjuli Teas by Paramount Tea Marketing Private Limited and purchased by Baruah Innovation of Guwahati. BLFs are independent tea factories that typically purchase green leaves from STGs.

“The trend of BLF teas getting auctioned reflects positively on the quality of tea being produced. This development not only signifies the recognition of quality teas but also bodes well for the STGs, who can now anticipate better prices for their green leaves,” Bihani stated. He added that the transparent nature of the auction system ensures such high prices are achievable, which may not be the case in private sales.