Guwahati Tea Auction Centre Brews over 3 Cr in FY25, Q1 Sales Hit 32 Mn Kg on Export Momentum

Guwahati: In a quarter that redefined the tea trade trajectory of Northeast India, the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) has posted a 27 percent year-on-year growth in Q1 2025 tea sales, emerging not just as a national leader in tea trading but also as a rising force in the global tea export market.

The Tea Lounge, also recorded a retail turnover exceeding Rs 1 crore in FY 2024–25.

From April to June, auction volumes climbed to 32.21 million kg, up from 25.37 million kg in the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the GTAC. This robust quarterly performance augments a landmark fiscal 2024–25, during which GTAC achieved record-breaking annual volumes of 169.13 million kg—a 1.7 percent increase over the prior year’s 166.34 million kg. Turnover reached Rs 3,851 crore, up Rs 803 crore from Rs 3,048 crore in FY 2023–24. Average realisation per kilogram also soared to Rs 227.70, up from Rs 183.20—representing a 24 percent annual realisation gain 

Among the tea segments, Orthodox teas led Q1’s volume uplift, with sales doubling to 1.92 million kg, compared to 0.94 million kg in 2024, while realisations climbed Rs. 16.14 to Rs. 279.63/kg, spurred by rising global buyer activity. Meanwhile dust segment volumes grew to 9.82 million kg, from 8.25 million kg, with average prices rising to Rs. 240.20/kg, up from Rs. 225.30 in Q1 2024. In contrast, CTC—which remains the dominant segment—saw volumes expand from 16.17 million kg to 20.46 million kg, even as average prices fell Rs. 14.68, hinting at softening mass-market demand.

GTAC’s price stratification is increasingly leaning premium. In Q1, 22 percent of CTC and 30 percent of Dust teas fetched over Rs. 300/kg, while another 38 percent and 29 percent, respectively, traded between Rs. 200–299/kg. The remainder—40 percent of both categories—sold within the Rs. 100–199/kg range. 

GTAC's impressive Q1 is rooted in its performance in FY 24–25. Over that cycle, volumes grew to 169.13 million kg, up from 166.34 million kg, while average realisations rose from Rs 183.20 to Rs 227.70/kg—a remarkable Rs 44.50/kg increase—with turnover reaching an all-time Rs 3,851 crore.

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Within Assam, small growers—1.22 lakh strong, managing 114,848 hectares of plantation—stood to gain as improved realisations fed directly into their earnings, supporting local economies and deepening supply chain linkages.

With favorable monsoon coverage and crop health across Assam and North Bengal estates, auction insiders expect even higher volumes in the July–September window, especially for second-flush and autumnal teas—typically commanding better prices.

“The strong opening quarter sets the tone for what could be a record year,” a GTAC official told Business North East. “Improved traceability, participation from small growers, and global linkages are transforming Guwahati into a serious trade hub.”