Participation of major blenders pushed up tea prices at Coonoor auctions, witnessing a very good demand in overall CTC leaves.Global Tea Auctioneers said the sales percentage in leaf was 97 out of the offered quantity of 21,46,595 kg in sale 31, while the quantity offered in dust was 5,89,436 kg , witnessing 82 per cent sales.Traders pointed out that the procurement policy of blenders complying with prescribed pesticide residue standards and applicable regulatory requirements has facilitated them to focus more on the brew from the South. This is expected to continue for some time which would help South Indian teas to benefit.Blenders, according to traders, are strengthening their policy procurement with prescribed pesticide residue and other food safety requirements following the monitoring compliance of regulatory authorities including Tea Board to ensure that all tea they sourced is compliant with the applicable FSSAI maximum residue limits on pesticide residues. Low rainfall impactHowever, traders added that the prices are likely to move up shortly as the anticipated rains in Nilgiris is 50 per cent lower as was expected in this season. In CTC leaf, the high priced teas were generally lower by ₹4-5 a kg and more at times. The better liquoring sorts were dearer by ₹2-3. The better medium sorts had good demand and sold steady dearer by ₹2-3. The medium sorts were also had good demand and sold dearer by ₹2-3. The plainer sorts bolders and brokens had very good demand and sold dearer by ₹6-7 per kg, whilst the remaining sorts sold fully firm to dearer by ₹2-3.The high priced teas and better liquoring sorts in CTC dust were generally easier by ₹4-5 occasionally some quality lots sold dearer by ₹2-3 and more at times.The primary orthodox dust grades were sold lower by ₹2-3 and more at times with some withdrawals. The secondaries and finer dusts were sold barely steady to lower by ₹1-2 per kg with few withdrawals.Published on August 4, 2026