Tea grades explained: CTC (BP1, PF1, PD, D1) and orthodox (OP, FOP, BOP), and how auctions set prices

Tea grade names describe the size of the leaf particles, not the quality alone. This guide explains the common CTC and orthodox grades and how the main auctions set tea prices.

Updated November 6, 2026 · 4 sources

CTC and orthodox

CTC (crush, tear, curl) tea is cut into small, even granules that brew strong and fast, which suits tea bags. Orthodox tea is rolled, so the leaf stays larger and the cup is lighter and more complex.

Common CTC grades

Grade	Meaning	Typical use
BP1	Broken Pekoe 1: larger, round granules	Loose tea and blends
PF1	Pekoe Fannings 1: fine, even granules	Tea bags
PD	Pekoe Dust: smaller particles, strong liquor	Tea bags
D1	Dust 1: very fine particles	Strong tea bags and bulk blends
Secondary grades (FNGS, BMF, Dust)	Fannings, broken mixed fannings, dust	Low-cost blends

Common orthodox grades

OP (Orange Pekoe): long, wiry whole leaves.
FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe): whole leaf with some tips.
BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): broken leaf, a stronger cup.
Extra letters such as T (tippy) and G (golden) describe more tips, for example TGFOP.

How auctions set prices

At the Mombasa, Colombo and Indian auctions, buyers taste each lot and bid on the sample. Price depends on the grade, the look of the leaf, the colour and strength of the liquor, the season and demand from big markets. Prices are usually quoted in US dollars per kg (Mombasa) or local currency per kg.

The World Bank publishes a monthly tea price as the average of the Kolkata, Colombo and Mombasa auctions. On Coffee Parchment, see tea lots or tea origins like Kenya.

Frequently asked questions

Is BP1 better than PF1?

Not always. BP1 has larger granules and PF1 finer ones; each suits a different use. The price depends on the quality of the particular lot.

What does CTC mean?

Crush, tear, curl: a way of processing black tea into small granules that brew quickly.

Where can I see tea prices?

Auction organisers and tea boards publish weekly results, and the World Bank publishes a monthly average of three auctions.

Sources

Checked on November 6, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.