Turkey tea market faces sharp price rise and producer backlash

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry set the 2026 fresh tea purchase price at 35 TL per kilogram, up from 25.44 TL in the previous year. The increase, combined with higher production, labor and logistics costs, has pushed dry tea retail prices above 300 TL per kilogram, with ÇAYKUR’s Tiryaki, Rize Turist and Filiz blends now selling between 295 TL and 340 TL.

Following ÇAYKUR’s move to a quota‑and‑appointment system after a surge in harvesting, many producers turned to private‑sector buyers. They allege that the shift prompted firms such as Doğuş Çay to cut prices, sparking complaints. Producer Nuray Kutlu said, “Doğuş Çay’a bizi gebe yaptılar… ÇAYKUR kontenjanı düşürdüğü için Doğuş Çay’da fiyatı aşağıya indirdi.” Similar grievances were voiced by other growers, who warned that the new system harms their earnings.