The Hindu Business Line : Good demand pushes up prices at Kochi tea sale

Of the quantity of 9,74,000 kg on offer in the dust category, good medium and lower medium CTC's were fully firm to dearer by Re 1 to Rs 3. Highpriced CTC's were steady to dearer. Orthodox also witnessed a steady to dearer market.

As per the figures available with Forbes, Ewart and Figgis (Pvt) Ltd, the best CTC varieties commanded prices of Rs 63-73; medium CTC realised Rs 48-57; and below medium were quoted Rs 37-42. Highgrown BOPD fetched prices between Rs 95-112. Secondaries were quoted Rs 24-25.

The leaf sale also witnessed a good general demand and the quantity on offer was 2,98,000 kg. Orthodox whole leaf grades witnessed a good demand and were dearer by Rs 2 to Rs 4. Brokens and Fannings remained steady. CTC's were generally dearer by Re 1 to Rs 2. Exporters were active on whole leaf grades. On other grades, exporters were selective. CTC's witnessed better demand from upcountry buyers.

The best Niligiri varieties commanded prices between Rs 54-65, medium Orthodox realised Rs 40-52. The best CTC leaf fetched prices between Rs 42-47 and medium CTC leaf realised Rs 37-40.

In the dust category, Kodanaad Cl.BOPD fetched the best prices of Rs 112 followed by Parkside Cl.BOPD by Rs 95. In the leaf varieties, Havukal BOPF realised the best prices of Rs 106.02 followed by Chamraj OP by Rs 105.50.