The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC), one of the world’s most influential tea auction centres and the second-largest CTC tea auction platform globally by volume, has completed 56 years of operation, marking another significant milestone in Assam’s tea industry.
Established to provide tea producers in Assam with a dedicated marketing platform, GTAC has played a crucial role in strengthening price discovery, ensuring transparency in tea trading and promoting Assam tea in domestic and international markets. Over the decades, it has emerged as a key contributor to the state’s economy and the growth of the tea sector.
The auction centre has posted impressive performance figures in 2026. Between April 1 and September 25 this year, GTAC sold 106.31 million kg of tea at an average price of ₹241.17 per kg, compared with 100.07 million kg at an average price of ₹220.29 per kg during the corresponding period in 2025.
GTAC has also strengthened its position as a major hub for Orthodox tea, a category largely destined for export markets. Orthodox tea sales reached 7.95 million kg during the current season, registering substantial growth from 5.30 million kg sold during the same period last year.
The origins of the auction centre trace back to the 1960s, when tea industry stakeholders in Assam pressed for a dedicated auction platform in Guwahati to reduce dependence on Kolkata-based auctions. The Assam government approved the establishment of GTAC on August 11, 1970, appointing Dharmanda Das as its first chairman.
The first committee meeting was held in Shillong on August 29, 1970, followed by the inaugural tea auction on September 25, 1970, at the Stadium Guest House near Nehru Stadium in Guwahati. The first lot auctioned consisted of 1,317 kg of Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) manufactured at Haroocharai Tea Estate and was purchased by Jafar Ali of Diamond Tea Company, Jorhat, at ₹42.50 per kg.
In its inaugural year, GTAC handled the sale of 9.1 million kg of tea at an average price of ₹5.68 per kg. Since then, the centre has grown substantially and now operates from its permanent complex on G.S. Road, equipped with modern auction halls, warehousing facilities and tea tasting infrastructure.
Beyond tea auctions, GTAC has expanded its role in promoting Assam tea through the GTAC Tea Lounge, which offers visitors an opportunity to experience and purchase authentic single-origin Assam teas, contributing to Guwahati’s emergence as a tea tourism destination.
Despite its achievements, the auction centre faces new challenges as additional tea auction platforms are being introduced across the country. Industry stakeholders believe GTAC will need to further modernise its auction systems, adopt advanced technology and attract a larger pool of export buyers to ensure better price realisation for tea growers and maintain its leadership position in the evolving tea trade.
Even after 56 years, GTAC remains the backbone of Assam’s tea marketing ecosystem and continues to serve as a symbol of pride for the state’s tea industry.