Tea firms served much-needed profit boost as climate change bites

Some in the industry warn companies will end financial year with marginal profit

Tea companies recorded a profit boost in the September quarter, reflecting higher prices as lower production is blamed on the impact of climate change.

 

A dry spell followed by erratic rainfall led to a production loss of 76.73 million kg (mkg) compared to the same period last year. North India, which makes for more than 82 per cent of total production, suffered a loss of 63 mkg to result in higher bulk tea prices.

 

Data from the Tea Board of India showed that the average auction price for North India team up to September 2024-25 was Rs 247.33 per kg,