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Winter slows tea arrivals at Coonoor auctions
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Saturday, 13 December, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The onset of winter has begun to visibly affect tea arrivals at the Coonoor Tea Trade Association (CTTA) auctions, with overall supply tightening across multiple grades. Despite the reduced inflow, auction prices have remained steady, supported by strong domestic and export demand.
Traders reported that colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours have slowed leaf growth across tea gardens in the Nilgiris, prompting a drop in volumes reaching the auction centres. Planters say that winter always brings a dip in production, but this year the shortfall is slightly more pronounced due to uneven rainfall patterns earlier in the year. As a result, buyers are entering auctions more cautiously but continue to bid actively to secure quality teas.
At Sale No. 49 this week, the quantity of tea arriving for auction was lower than the seasonal average, yet prices remained firm for most medium and high-grown varieties. Industry sources noted that select better-quality CTC and orthodox grades fetched premium bids, driven by bulk buyers, regional blenders, and packeteers.
Export interest has also helped support price stability. Buyers from West Asia and Russia were particularly active at this week’s sale, keeping demand buoyant despite limited arrivals. Traders added that while the market is currently stable, further tightening in supply could lead to marginal price increases in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, CTTA officials said the winter phase is expected to continue impacting arrivals through January, after which production typically begins to rebound. Industry stakeholders believe that consistent demand from both domestic and overseas markets will prevent any significant price volatility.
With the holiday season pushing consumption upward and supply remaining constrained, the Coonoor market is likely to maintain firm undertones in the short term. For now, the winter slowdown has not disrupted the auction momentum, and sentiment among traders remains cautiously optimistic.
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