Ramadan fasting seems to weigh on tea consumption in parts of northern Kerala, as evidenced by the subdued sales of CTC dust grades in Kochi auctions.
Traders said that internal buying was limited in Sale 9 that led to rise in unsold quantities of CTC dust by around 28 per cent out of the offered quantities of 4,43,491 kg. They attributed the declining sales to the shutdown of hotels and tea shops in the morning in the Muslim dominated northern Kerala during fasting that curbed daytime brew consumption.
It is pointed out that Ramadan fasting creates a mixed impact on the tea industry, leading to high demand for good liquoring varieties for Iftars, while noticing a drop in day time consumption.
In the auctions, the price of good liquoring teas was down by ₹1-2 per kg and a lot of bottom line teas remained unsold.
The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart& Figgis said that blenders were selective and subdued with Kerala and upcountry buyers operated in less strength. Orthodox dust market was also lower and witnessed some withdrawal.
Anil George, Chairman of Tea Trade Association of Cochin said that medium and plainer teas continued to undergo healthy price corrections, reflecting seasonal demand moderation during the Lenten period.
However, in the orthodox market, export enquiry from the Middle East and CIS provided consistent support, while domestic buying remained selective, he said.
The orthodox market was strong with a 96 per cent sales out of the offered quantity of 1,71,003 kg.
Kochi market is witnessing good enquiry both from upcountry buyers and exporters especially in the absence of tea due to crop failure across the production centres. The buyers from Iran were also active with limited purchase. The market is expected to improve once the summer rains start in the high ranges, traders said.
Published on February 27, 2026