Recent statistics from the Mombasa Tea Auction showed that approximately 8.9 million kilograms of CTC tea were traded during Sale 21. The average market price reached US$2.11 per kilogram, providing an important reference point for international black tea buyers.
At the same time, orthodox tea continued to command a higher average price. During Sale 20, approximately 32,620 kilograms of orthodox tea were traded at an average price of US$2.72 per kilogram.
The difference between the two average prices reflects the different characteristics, production methods and market positions of CTC tea and orthodox tea.
CTC stands for "crush, tear and curl." During production, tea leaves are processed into small and relatively uniform particles.
This production method creates tea that brews quickly, produces a strong colour and provides a powerful taste. For this reason, CTC tea is widely used in tea bags, breakfast blends, milk tea and other mass-market products.
CTC tea is especially suitable for consumers who prefer strong tea or who normally add milk and sugar.
It is also attractive to large manufacturers because of its brewing efficiency and relatively consistent particle size.
Orthodox tea is processed using methods that preserve more of the natural leaf structure. It may contain whole leaves, broken leaves or larger leaf particles.
Orthodox tea normally offers more complex aroma, attractive appearance and distinctive flavour characteristics.
These qualities allow orthodox tea to achieve higher prices in premium supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, gift markets and specialised tea shops.
For West African importers, the Mombasa Tea Auction is an important international market indicator.
Even when a buyer does not purchase directly through the auction, the auction price provides useful information about the general direction of East African black tea prices.
Importers can use this information when evaluating quotations from factories, exporters and trading companies.
However, buyers should remember that the auction price is not the final cost of imported tea.
Several additional expenses must be included in the purchasing calculation. These can include export packaging, inland transportation, warehouse fees, documentation charges, ocean freight, insurance, customs duties, port handling and local distribution costs.
A tea offered at a lower auction price may not always produce the lowest landed cost.
Shipping routes, container availability and transit times can significantly affect the final price paid by an importer.
Buyers should also compare the actual brewing performance of different tea grades.
A cheaper tea may require a larger quantity to achieve the desired colour and strength. A slightly more expensive tea may provide better brewing efficiency and allow the manufacturer to use less tea in each package or tea bag.
This is especially important for tea-bag manufacturers.
The price per kilogram is only one part of the total cost calculation. Buyers should also determine how many tea bags can be produced from each kilogram and whether the tea can deliver the required cup strength.
West African companies planning to enter the black tea market may consider using CTC tea for affordable retail products.
Small tea-bag boxes, family packs and economy cartons could be distributed through supermarkets, wholesalers, traditional markets, hotels and offices.
Orthodox tea may be suitable for a different group of consumers.
It can be sold in premium loose-leaf packages, decorative boxes, metal tins, flavoured blends or gift products.
The difference between CTC and orthodox tea creates opportunities for brand segmentation.
A tea company may offer an economical CTC product for daily consumption while developing a higher-value orthodox tea for consumers who care more about aroma, appearance and presentation.
Before purchasing, buyers should request samples from several grades and origins.
Samples should be tested under the same brewing conditions so that colour, strength, aroma and aftertaste can be compared accurately.
Buyers should also examine the dry tea for leaf size, dust content, moisture, cleanliness and consistency.
Another important consideration is consumer education.
In markets where consumers traditionally drink Chinese green tea, black tea products may need clear preparation instructions and attractive packaging.
The package can explain whether the tea is suitable for milk, sugar, breakfast consumption or quick brewing.
The Mombasa auction price is therefore useful, but successful purchasing requires a complete evaluation of product quality, brewing efficiency, logistics, market demand and brand positioning.
Overall, the price difference between CTC tea and orthodox tea demonstrates that the global market continues to reward product differentiation.
Buyers who clearly understand their target consumers will be better able to select the right tea category, control their costs and build profitable tea product lines.
