Vietnam CTC black tea: BOP, BP, PF and PD grades

Compare Vietnam CTC black tea grades

Leaf size, appearance and cup of every grade in this category. Open a grade for photos, the full specification and the indicative FOB price.

About Vietnam CTC black tea

CTC stands for Cut, Tear, Curl. Instead of rolling the withered leaf whole, the leaf is passed between toothed rollers that cut and tear it into small, firm granules. A CTC black tea brews fast, dark and strong, holds up to milk and sugar and fills a tea bag evenly, which is why it is the grade most tea bag packers, chai blenders and milk tea brands ask us for.

We produce four CTC grades at our factories in Phu Tho and Yen Bai: BOP, the largest granule with the most leaf character; BP, the all-round tea bag grade; PF, finer and quicker to brew; and PD, the finest cut for instant strength and color. Because the granules are dense, a 40-foot high cube container carries roughly 23 tons of BOP and up to 26 tons of PD, so freight per kilogram falls as the grade gets finer.

Our guide to Vietnam CTC black tea explains how the tea is made, how to read a CTC specification, which grade suits tea bags, milk tea or chai, how much of each grade loads per container and how to order samples. If you need large-leaf black tea instead, see our orthodox black tea grades.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CTC and orthodox black tea? Orthodox tea is rolled, so the leaf stays whole or in large pieces and gives a golden-red, more aromatic cup. CTC tea is cut, torn and curled into small, firm granules that brew fast, dark and strong, which is why it is used for tea bags, milk tea and chai. See our orthodox black tea grades to compare.

Which CTC grade is best for tea bags? BP is the all-round tea bag grade. PF is finer and brews faster, and PD, the finest cut, gives the quickest strength and color. BOP, the largest granule, is chosen for milk tea, chai and premium CTC tea bags.

How much CTC black tea fits in a 40HC container? About 23 tons of BOP, 24 tons of BP, 25 tons of PF and 26 tons of PD with standard bulk packing.

What is the minimum order? There is no minimum order; the price depends on the quantity, and you can combine several grades in one 20ft or 40HC container. Samples with a specification sheet are available before you order, and every shipment must be the same as or better than the sample you approved.