In the world of Pu’er tea, Laobanzhang holds an irreplaceable position and is honored as the “Overlord of Pu’er Tea”. Its reputation has already spread all over the tea world, so that countless tea friends admire it. So, what exactly is the price of Laobanzhang ancient tree tea?
Price of Laobanzhang Spring Tea
- In 2000, Menghai Tea Factory purchased Laobanzhang Pu’er tea at a price of 8 yuan per kilogram. At that time, the factory mainly considered its tea buds too large and its color not ideal, so the purchase price was even lower than that of tea from other regions.
- In 2001, the price rose to 11-12 yuan per kilogram, but Menghai Tea Factory only purchased a part of it and then stopped.
- In 2002, the price suddenly jumped to 80-120 yuan per kilogram, while the price of ancient tree tea in other areas was only several dozen yuan per kilogram.
- In 2005, the price of dried raw tea was 120-180 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2006, the price of raw tea was 180-400 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2007, the price of spring tea soared to 800-1500 yuan per kilogram.
- From 2008 to 2009, the price of spring tea was 400-600 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2010, the price quickly rose to 1200 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2011, the price of Laobanzhang summer tea was around 900 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2012, the price of spring tea was 2000-3000 yuan per kilogram, and the price of autumn tea was 1700 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2013, the price of Laobanzhang spring tea was 3500 yuan per kilogram, and the price of autumn tea was 2800-3000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2014, the price of spring tea had risen to 8000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2015, the price of Laobanzhang tea ranged from 5000 to 10,000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2016, the price of Laobanzhang Pu’er tea stabilized after a decline, basically remaining above 6000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2017, it appeared in the industry with a subversive purchase price, and its overall price basically remained above 8000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2018, the quoted price of ancient tree spring tea near the Laobanzhang Tea King Tree was 12,000-15,000 yuan per kilogram; the price for selected picking in other areas was expected to be 11,000-12,000 yuan per kilogram; the price for continuous plot picking was 9000-11,000 yuan per kilogram; and the price for mixed production picking was 8000-12,000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2019, the overall price of Laobanzhang ancient tree tea was approximately 6000-12,000 yuan per kilogram, showing little difference compared with 2018.
- In 2020, the price of mixed picking of Laobanzhang ancient tree spring tea was 6000-8000 yuan per kilogram, and the price of selected picking was 12,000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2021, the price of mixed picking of Laobanzhang ancient tree spring tea was above 8000 yuan per kilogram, and the price of selected picking was 12,000-18,000 yuan per kilogram.
- In 2022, the price of mixed picking of Laobanzhang ancient tree spring tea was 7000-8500 yuan per kilogram, and the price of selected picking was 11,000-12,000 yuan per kilogram.
(Source: Press Conference of the 6th Kunming Spring Tea Week in 2022)Proofread
We can see that the price span of Laobanzhang is large, which is affected by many factors and fluctuates obviously. Let’s take a look at the main factors affecting the price of Laobanzhang Tea.
Factors Affecting the Price
- Raw Material Quality: Tree age is the key factor. The age of Laobanzhang ancient tea trees is generally more than hundreds of years. The older the tree is, the more mellow the tea tastes and the higher the price is. In addition, the quality of the first spring tea is better than that of the last spring tea and summer tea, and the price is higher. At the same time, the appearance quality of tea, such as whether the strip is strong and tight, whether the color is bright, and whether the golden hair is exposed, will also affect the price.
- Yield and Scarcity: The area of Laobanzhang Ancient Tea Garden is limited. In 2024, the output of the whole village is only about 5,000 kg. The shortage of supply and demand pushes up the price. Moreover, the production of Laobanzhang ancient tree tea is much less than that of platform tea and small tree tea, which also makes its price remain high.
- Aging Years: Pu’er Tea tea has the characteristics of the older the more fragrant, and Laobanzhang tea is no exception. The price of new tea is relatively low, generally about 1000-5000 yuan per kilogram. The price of 5-10 years old tea can reach thousands to tens of thousands of yuan per kilogram, 10-20 years old tea can reach tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan per kilogram, and more than 20 years old tea can reach hundreds of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan per kilogram.
- Storage Conditions: a good storage environment can make the quality of Laobanzhang tea better transformed, with stronger aroma, more mellow taste and higher value. The price of tea stored in natural warehouse and dry warehouse is usually higher than that stored in wet warehouse.
- Market Factors: Laobanzhang Tea is known as “King of Pu’er Tea Tea”, with high popularity and strong market demand, especially for collection demand, 90% of purchasers are for collection rather than drinking. At the same time, the intervention of capital also has a certain impact on the price, the head capital monopolizes part of the supply, which will artificially push up the price. In addition, changes in the relationship between supply and demand in the market, consumer awareness and preferences will also affect the price of Laobanzhang tea.