Tea Prices in Turkey Surge 45.5% in Last Three Months

According to reports published by the economic platform BloombergHT, tea prices in Turkey have faced another significant jump. The General Directorate of Tea Enterprises (ÇAYKUR) has sent its new price lists to wholesalers and distributors, indicating an average increase of 15% across all types of dry tea [1]. This regulation, which came into effect today, July 6, 2026, marks the third consecutive stage of price increases in the past three months.

Details of Consecutive Price Hikes in 2026 The upward trend in tea prices this calendar year began in April. According to available data, ÇAYKUR first increased prices by 10% on April 8, 2026. Subsequently, on May 22, 2026, a second phase of price increases was implemented at a rate of 15% [2]. Including today's 15% hike, the total cumulative increase in tea prices over a three-month period has reached a staggering 45.5% [3]. This volume of price increase in one of Turkey's most popular national beverages has sparked widespread reactions among consumers and business owners.

Economic Reasons Behind the Price Increases Economic analysts believe these price hikes are rooted in production costs and government decisions in the agricultural sector. On May 12, 2026, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry set the purchase price of green tea from farmers for the 2026 season at 35 Lira per kilogram, a 37.6% increase over the previous year [1]. Tea industry representatives have noted that the increase in dry tea prices in the market remains lower than the rate of increase in green tea purchase prices and logistics costs, which reinforces the likelihood of the upward trend continuing in the coming months [3].

Food Inflation Status in Turkey This price increase occurs while Turkey continues to grapple with inflationary challenges in the food sector. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for June 2026 shows that annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages was approximately 35.45% [1.1.4]. The increase in the price of tea, as a strategic commodity in Turkish consumption culture, could have a direct impact on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the coming months. In this regard, some trade unions in cities like Bursa had previously increased the price ceiling for a glass of tea in tea houses to 22.50 Lira, and with the new ÇAYKUR circular, these figures are expected to change again [1.2.2].