Tea Grades Price Chart - OP, BOP, CTC, Dust and Fannings

Tea grading systems are used to classify tea based on leaf size, appearance, processing method, and quality, rather than flavor alone. These grades help buyers, sellers, and exporters maintain consistency in trade, pricing, and end-use applications. Globally, tea grades are especially important in Indian, Sri Lankan, Kenyan, and Chinese tea markets, where bulk transactions depend heavily on standardized grading terminology such as OP, BOP, CTC, Dust, and Fannings.

Why Tea Grades Directly Affect Price, Quality, and Usage

Tea grades have a direct impact on market price because they determine brewing strength, visual appeal, aroma, and yield per kilogram. Whole-leaf grades command higher prices due to slower oxidation, better aroma retention, and premium positioning. Smaller or broken grades are priced competitively and preferred for strong brews and tea bags. From a commercial perspective, grades decide target markets, packaging formats, and consumer segments.

Who Should Use This Guide?

This guide is designed for:

• Tea retailers comparing grades for shelf positioning
• Exporters and importers dealing in bulk tea shipments
• Cafés, hotels, and QSR chains selecting consistent brew profiles
• Bulk buyers and private-label brands optimizing cost vs quality

What Are Tea Grades? (OP, BOP, CTC Explained)

Tea grades represent the physical size and condition of tea leaves after processing, not the plant variety or estate quality. Both orthodox (loose-leaf) and CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) teas follow different grading standards, but the objective remains the same: classification for trade efficiency.

Meaning of Tea Grades in Loose Leaf and CTC Teas

• Loose Leaf (Orthodox) Grades: OP, BOP, FBOP, TGFOP, etc., focusing on leaf wholeness and tips

• CTC Grades: BP, PF, PD, Dust, designed for strong, quick-brewing teas

Orthodox grades emphasize aroma and appearance, while CTC grades focus on liquor strength and color.

Difference Between Leaf Size, Processing, and Cup Strength

Larger leaf grades like OP produce a lighter, aromatic cup, whereas broken or granular grades like BOP and CTC yield stronger, darker liquor. Processing intensity increases caffeine extraction and color, making smaller grades more suitable for milk tea and mass consumption.

How Grades Influence Market Price

Market prices rise with:

• Larger, intact leaves

• Hand-plucked or orthodox processing

• Export-grade sorting and minimal dust content

Conversely, smaller grades offer better cost efficiency and higher yield, making them ideal for high-volume buyers.

OP Tea (Orange Pekoe) – Grade, Quality & Price Range

What Is OP Tea?

OP (Orange Pekoe) tea is a whole-leaf orthodox grade, known for its elegant appearance and refined taste.

Leaf Appearance and Processing

OP tea consists of long, wiry, unbroken leaves, carefully rolled during orthodox processing. The leaves are evenly oxidized and free from excessive dust or fannings.

Flavor Profile and Aroma

OP tea produces a light-bodied liquor with a smooth mouthfeel, floral aroma, and subtle sweetness. It is less bitter compared to broken grades and ideal for plain tea consumption.

OP Tea Price Chart (Per Kg)

Indian OP Tea – Average Wholesale Price

• ₹320 – ₹650 per kg (depending on origin, season, and quality)

Export Price Range

• USD 4.5 – 8.5 per kg (FOB, bulk packing)

Factors Affecting OP Tea Pricing

• Estate location (Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri)

• Seasonal flush (first flush commands premium)

• Leaf uniformity and moisture content

• Organic or specialty certifications

Best Uses of OP Tea

OP tea is best suited for:

• Premium loose-leaf tea brands

• Hotels, cafés, and fine-dining establishments

• Specialty and wellness tea blends

Its visual appeal and smooth taste make it a preferred choice for high-end retail and export markets.

BOP Tea (Broken Orange Pekoe) – Grade & Market Price

What Is BOP Tea?

BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) tea is produced from broken orthodox tea leaves, offering a balance between strength and aroma.

Broken Leaf Structure

The leaves are intentionally broken during processing, resulting in smaller, uniform particles that infuse quickly.

Strength vs Aroma Comparison with OP

Compared to OP, BOP tea delivers:

• Stronger liquor

• Slightly reduced aroma

• Darker color and brisk taste

This makes it ideal for everyday tea drinkers.

BOP Tea Price Chart (Per Kg)

Domestic Bulk Rates (India)

• ₹180 – ₹380 per kg

Export FOB Price Range

• USD 2.8 – 5.5 per kg

Prices vary based on grade purity, dust percentage, and origin.

Ideal Applications of BOP Tea

BOP tea is widely used in:

• Tea bag manufacturing

• Strong daily consumption tea

• Milk-based and masala tea blends

• Institutional and catering supply

Its cost-effectiveness and robust flavor make it a high-demand grade in domestic and international markets.

 

CTC Tea (Crush, Tear, Curl) – Grade, Strength & Bulk Price

What Is CTC Tea?

CTC tea is manufactured using a mechanical Crush–Tear–Curl process, where fresh tea leaves are crushed, torn, and rolled into small granular pellets. Unlike orthodox teas, CTC focuses on liquor strength, color, and fast infusion rather than leaf appearance.

CTC tea dominates Indian domestic consumption and is the backbone of milk tea, chai stalls, QSRs, and vending machines.

CTC Tea Grades Explained

Common CTC grades include:

• BP (Broken Pekoe) – Coarse granules, strong but slightly lighter cup

• PF (Pekoe Fannings) – Balanced strength and aroma

• PD (Pekoe Dust) – Very strong, dark liquor

• Dust – Finest particles, maximum extraction

Smaller grades produce stronger liquor and darker color, which increases demand in mass markets.

CTC Tea Price Chart (Per Kg)

Indian Wholesale Market Price

• ₹140 – ₹320 per kg (depending on grade and origin)

Export FOB Price Range

• USD 2.2 – 4.8 per kg

Key Pricing Factors

• Granule size consistency

• Liquor color and brightness

• Moisture level and fiber content

• Assam vs South Indian origin

CTC teas with high cuppage and strong color command better prices in bulk export markets.

Best Uses of CTC Tea

CTC tea is ideal for:

• Milk-based chai

• Roadside tea vendors & cafés

• Hotels, railways, airlines

• Tea vending machines

• Private-label mass-market brands

Its fast brewing and consistent output make it the most commercially scalable tea grade.

Tea Dust – Maximum Strength, Lowest Cost

What Is Tea Dust?

Tea Dust consists of very fine particles produced during both orthodox and CTC processing. Despite its name, it is not waste—it is a highly demanded grade for strong tea applications.

Tea Dust Price Range (Per Kg)

• Domestic bulk price: ₹90 – ₹220 per kg

• Export price: USD 1.6 – 3.2 per kg

Dust pricing depends heavily on color yield and bitterness control.

Ideal Applications of Tea Dust

• Economy tea bags

• Institutional supply

• Vending machines

• High-caffeine blends

Tea Dust delivers maximum extraction in minimal time, making it highly cost-effective.

Tea Fannings – Balanced Strength for Tea Bags

What Are Tea Fannings?

Fannings are slightly larger than dust but smaller than BOP, offering a balance between strength and smoothness. They are widely used in mid-range tea bags.

Fannings Price Range (Per Kg)

• ₹120 – ₹260 per kg (India)

• USD 2.0 – 4.0 per kg (Export)

Best Uses of Tea Fannings

• Premium tea bags

• Blended teas

• Retail-packed economy tea

Fannings are preferred where clarity of liquor and controlled bitterness are required.

Tea Grades Price Comparison Chart (Per Kg)

Tea Grade	Leaf Size	Strength	Avg Price (India)	Export Price (USD)	Best For
OP	Whole Leaf	Light	₹320–₹650	4.5–8.5	Premium loose tea
BOP	Broken Leaf	Medium–Strong	₹180–₹380	2.8–5.5	Tea bags, daily tea
CTC	Granular	Strong	₹140–₹320	2.2–4.8	Milk tea, bulk
Fannings	Fine	Strong	₹120–₹260	2.0–4.0	Tea bags
Dust	Finest	Very Strong	₹90–₹220	1.6–3.2	Vending, economy

How to Choose the Right Tea Grade for Your Business

For Retail Brands

Choose OP or BOP for visual appeal, aroma, and premium positioning.

For Cafés & Hotels

Use BOP or PF-grade CTC for consistent strength and faster service.

For Exporters

CTC and BOP grades offer higher volume turnover and repeat demand.

For Bulk Buyers & Institutions

Dust and fannings provide lowest cost per cup with maximum output.

Tea Grades & Pricing

Which tea grade is best for milk tea?
CTC grades like PF, PD, and Dust are best because they produce strong color and flavor that pair well with milk.

Is OP tea always expensive?
OP tea is priced higher due to whole-leaf appearance and aroma, but pricing still varies by origin and season.

Which tea grade has the highest demand in India?
CTC tea dominates Indian consumption due to affordability and strength.

Are fannings better than dust?
Fannings offer smoother taste and better clarity, while dust provides stronger extraction at lower cost.

Which grade is best for export?
CTC and BOP teas are most exported due to consistent quality and bulk demand.