The Hindu Business Line : Mixed trend in Kochi tea sale

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

Of the 10,32,000 kg on offer in the dust category, the CTC market was lower by Rs 2 to Rs 4. Towards the close of sale, it declined more in value. Orthodox tea grades were steady and tended to ease.

The best CTC varieties commanded prices between Rs 48 and Rs 65, medium CTC realised in the Rs 42- Rs 47 range and the poorer type was quoted between Rs 34 and Rs 38. High-grown BOPD fetched prices between Rs 75 and Rs 105, while medium BOPD realised between Rs 35 and Rs 40.

The leaf sale witnessed only a less general demand and the quantity on offer was 230,000 kg. Orthodox leaf grades were lower by Rs 2 to Rs 3 and sometimes more. CTC's prices were easier by Re 1 to Rs 2.

CIS operated with better strength compared to last week. Iraq buyers were active while other exporters were firm.

The best Nilgiri varieties commanded prices between Rs 45 and Rs 61, medium orthodox realised Rs 42-Rs 55 range. The best CTC leaf fetched prices between Rs 45 and Rs 58, while medium CTC leaf was quoted in the Rs 35 - Rs 42 range.

In the dust category, Kodanaad CL-BOPD realised the best prices of Rs 105 followed by Parkside BOPD (Rs 75). In the leaf varieties, Kodanad BOPF-CL fetched the best prices of Rs 110 followed by Havukal BOPF (Rs 95).