Here are this week’s tea prices from the world’s major black-tea auctions.

In Colombo, prices moved higher again.

The weekly average reached two dollars and eleven cents per kilo, supported by strong interest in bright, high-grown teas.

Limited offerings kept the market firm, and Middle Eastern buyers remained active.

In South India, CTC teas held firm.

The weekly average was one hundred eighty-three rupees per kilo, with steady blender demand across Kerala and the Nilgiris.

Leaf conditions improved, and packers continued seasonal restocking.

At Mombasa, prices softened slightly.

BP1 grades averaged one dollar and eighty-seven cents per kilo, down two cents from last week.

Higher withdrawals signaled resistance at the top of the market, though warehouse stocks remain below last year’s levels.

Across origins, input costs continue to shape pricing.

Sri Lanka’s weak currency, higher fertiliser and diesel costs in Kenya, and rising electricity charges in India are all reinforcing firm price floors.

Looking ahead, the tone is mixed but stable.

Colombo and South India are expected to stay firm into mid-December, while Kenya may fluctuate slightly as Rift Valley output recovers.

Year-end packer demand in the Gulf and Europe should help support overall pricing.

That’s your Tea Price Report for Episode 228 of the Tea Biz Podcast, Week 48 ending November 28.

For expanded coverage, visit www.teajourney.pub and select the Tea Biz Tea Price Report (https://teajourney.pub/tea-price-report/).

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The legendary resilience of Sri Lanka’s tea industry is once again evident this week as the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean recovers from Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone formed in unusually warm waters (28-30 degrees Celsius) southeast of Sri Lanka. The slow-moving storm, with sustained winds of 45 miles per hour, released 19 to 21 inches (490 to 540 mm) of rain over 72 hours, causing landslides in parts of the central highlands and severe flooding across a wide area of the 150-mile-wide island where rainfall exceeded 300 mm (12 inches).

Joining us today to discuss the storm’s impact is Anil Cooke, CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities and former chair of the Colombo Brokers’ Association. He is a former member of the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

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Sri Lanka Survives Catastrophic Cyclone | Assam Pivots to Innovation to Secure Global Tea Leadership | AVPA Awards 161 Medals Recognizing Tea Excellence Worldwide

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Sri Lanka Survives Catastrophic Cyclone | Assam Pivots to Innovation to Secure Global Tea Leadership | AVPA Awards 161 Medals Recognizing Tea Excellence Worldwide

NEWSMAKER – Anil Cooke, CEO Asia Siyaka, Sri Lanka

PLUS | Ditwah Deluge | The legendary resilience of Sri Lanka’s tea industry is once again evident this week as the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean recovers from Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone formed in unusually warm waters (28-30 degrees Celsius) southeast of Sri Lanka. The slow-moving storm, with sustained winds of 45 miles per hour, released 19 to 21 inches (490 to 540 mm) of rain over 72 hours, causing landslides in parts of the central highlands and severe flooding across a wide area of the 150-mile-wide island where rainfall exceeded 300 mm (12 inches).

Joining us today to discuss the storm’s impact is Anil Cooke, CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities and former chair of the Colombo Brokers’ Association. He is a former member of the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

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Prices at the world’s major auctions gained modestly last week, reflecting tightening supply and higher production costs.

In Colombo, the auction average rose to 2.50 per kilo, supported by strong interest in bright, high-grown liquoring teas and limited fresh offerings.

In South India, the CTC market strengthened to 182 rupees per kilo, driven by active blenders in Kerala and the Nilgiris and by continued seasonal demand from packers. |

In Mombasa, Kenya, BP1 grades rose to one dollar and eighty-nine cents per kilo, a six-cent weekly increase, as buyers from Pakistan and Egypt met lighter Rift Valley production and tighter warehouse stocks.

Worldwide, cost pressures persist. The Sri Lankan rupee remains near record lows; Indian estates face rising electricity, fuel, and labour costs; and Kenyan fertiliser prices are up sharply year over year.

Looking ahead, the tone is firm. Colombo is expected to trade in the US$2.05–2.15/kg range; South India CTC is likely to hold around INR 180–185/kg; and Mombasa may inch toward US$1.90–1.94/kg if lower Kenyan output continues.

https://teajourney.pub/tea-price-report/

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CuppaTrade is a next-generation sourcing platform explicitly designed for the global tea and coffee trade. What sets CuppaTrade apart is its architecture: it is the first AI-driven, blockchain-enabled, climate-aligned B2B marketplace built for bulk buyers, specialty importers, private-label brands, roasters, trading houses, and retail chains.

The platform connects verified producers across India, Nepal, and Vietnam with global buyers who need transparent pricing, reliable quality data, and direct access to origin. CuppaTrade offers AI-powered product discovery, digital quality cards, sample management, and full blockchain traceability, giving buyers confidence in authenticity and compliance with origin requirements. It also integrates logistics partners, warehousing, and—soon—digital finance solutions to support seamless procurement.

For producers, CuppaTrade reduces intermediaries and opens new international channels. For buyers, it brings a more efficient, data-rich, climate-smart way to source tea and coffee at scale.

CuppaTrade is led by three principals whose combined expertise has shaped the platform into one of the most advanced sourcing systems in the tea and coffee trade.

Joining us today are newsmakers Mihir Gandhi, Rakhee Biswas, and Satrajit Bannerjee, founders of CuppaTrade Marketplace Joining us today are newsmakers Mihir Gandhi, Rakhee Biswas, and Satrajit Bannerjee, founders of CuppaTrade Marketplace

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Tariffs Ease, Prices Don’t: Relief for Most Origins but Inflation Pressures Persist | Growing European Tea Market Shuns Sugary Drinks for Herbal Infusions | Sri Lanka’s SereneTea Benefits from UK Trade Partnership Program

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Tariffs Ease, Prices Don’t: Relief for Most Origins but Inflation Pressures Persist | Growing European Tea Market Shuns Sugary Drinks for Herbal Infusions | Sri Lanka’s SereneTea Benefits from UK Trade Partnership Program

NEWSMAKERS-Mihir Gandhi, Rakhee Biswas, Satrajit Bannerjee, founders CuppaTrade Marketplace

PLUS | CuppaTrade Launches a B2B Marketplace | CuppaTrade is a next-generation sourcing platform explicitly designed for the global tea and coffee trade. What sets CuppaTrade apart is its architecture: it is the first AI-driven, blockchain-enabled, climate-aligned B2B marketplace built for bulk buyers, specialty importers, private-label brands, roasters, trading houses, and retail chains.

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