Guwahati, April 20: The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) has achieved its highest-ever performance in the financial year 2024–25, setting new benchmarks in both volume and value. This reaffirms GTAC’s position as a dominant player in India’s tea trade, particularly for premium Assam teas.
According to Dinesh Bihani, secretary of the Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association, GTAC recorded the sale of 169.13 million kilograms of tea during the fiscal year—up from 166.34 million kilograms in 2023–24. More notably, the average price per kilogram surged to ₹227.70, a steep rise from ₹183.20 last year, reflecting both improved quality and stronger demand. The total turnover for FY 2024–25 is estimated to be ₹3,851 crore.
“This is a milestone year for GTAC,” said Bihani. “The centre not only delivered record volumes but also secured some of the highest prices ever seen in Indian tea auctions.”
Among the season’s highlights, a line of premium Hookmool teas fetched ₹751 per kilogram—an all-time high. Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs), too, saw a profitable season, with a line of Bejopathar teas selling at ₹471 per kilogram. Dhemaji District BLFs outperformed others, commanding the highest district-wise prices across Assam.
One of the GTAC’s competitive advantages remains its low cost of selling, making it an attractive platform for producers and traders alike. Combined with consistent quality and strong buyer engagement, GTAC continues to expand its influence in the national tea market.
Complementing its auction success, the GTAC Tea Lounge—an in-house initiative to promote single-origin Assam teas—also saw significant growth. Positioned inside the GTAC building, the lounge allows producers to sell directly to consumers, setting their own prices and building their brand identities. It has increasingly become a hotspot for tea enthusiasts and tourists seeking authentic Assam teas.
In FY 2024–25, the lounge recorded a turnover of over ₹1 crore through retail sales and promotional events, according to Bihani, who also chairs the Tea Lounge committee.
“This is not just about commerce—it’s about storytelling, identity, and giving Assam teas the recognition they deserve,” he added.
With strong auction numbers and a growing retail presence, GTAC is poised to continue leading the Indian tea industry into its next phase of growth.
