Indian tea companies look at increasing exports as Kenyan production falls

However, strong rupee, concerns over production at home may spoil the party

With Kenyan tea prices shooting up by 25 per cent at $2.92 a kilo in last month's auction, the Indian tea industry can look ahead to increase its exports with a competitive edge, offering tea at an average price of $1.8 a kilo. However, the strong rupee and concern over production might play spoilsport.

According to data from tea trading firm, Van Rees, Kenyan prices opened at $2.59 a kilo in the beginning of this year's auctions and surged 21 per cent to touch $3.12 due to shortage of production. In the same timeframe, Indian tea opened at $2.32 a kilo