The Hindu Business Line : Mixed trend at Kochi tea sale

A MIXED trend persisted for almost all varieties of tea at the Kochi tea auction. Though the dust sale witnessed a good general demand, it was comparatively low for leaf varieties.

Of the quantity of 8,87,000 kg on offer in the dust category, CTC market for high priced teas were dearer by Rs 1-2. Medium teas were also dearer by Rs 2-4. Bottom teas were higher, while orthodox dusts remained steady.

The best CTC varieties commanded prices between Rs 50 and Rs 73, medium CTC realised Rs 42-48 and poorer type were quoted Rs 37-40. Highgrown BOPD fetched prices between Rs 85 and Rs 120, while medium BOPD realised Rs 35-40. Secondaries were quoted at Rs 28-30.

The leaf sale witnessed only a fair general demand and the quantity on offer was 391,000 kg. Orthodox highgrown brokens and fannings were dearer following quality. Others barely steady and tended to ease. CTC NRC teas were higher and others dearer. Exporters to CIS continued to operate in less strength and they were very selective. However, secondaries and low priced Orthodox witnessed good demand for other exporters at last levels.

The best Nilgiri varieties commanded prices between Rs 35 and Rs 55, medium orthodox realised Rs 28-40. The best CTC leaf fetched prices between Rs 50 and Rs 55, while medium CTC leaf were quoted Rs 40-48.