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 10,37,000 kg on offer in the dust category, CTC dusts were easier by Re 1 to Rs 3 and dropped further towards the end. Orthodox Highgrowns were steady to dearer, while Mediums Orthodox steady.

As per the figures made available with Forbes, Ewart & Figgis (Pvt) Ltd, the best CTC varieties commanded prices between Rs 57-66, medium CTC realised Rs 44-53 and below medium were quoted Rs 35-40.

Highgrown BOPD fetched prices between Rs 100-116, while medium BOPD realised Rs 30-33. Secondaries were quoted at Rs 25-28.

The leaf sale witnessed only a fair general demand and the quantity on offer was 3,91,000 kg. Medium Orthodox brokens and Fannings were easier by Rs 2-3.

Whole leaf grades remained steady and best Highgrowns firm.

CTCs were steady to dearer. Exporters to Iraq were less active and operated selectively only on low priced grades.

CIS exporters lent useful support to whole leaf grades and highgrowns. CTC's witnessed good demand from upcountry markets and blender.

The best Niligiri varieties commanded prices between Rs 50-65, medium Orthodox realised Rs 37-45.

The best CTC leaf fetched prices between Rs 45-50, while medium CTC leaf were quoted Rs 42-45.

In the dust category, Kodanaad Cl.BOPD fetched the best prices of Rs 116 followed by Parkside Cl.BOPD by Rs 100.

In the leaf varieties, Chamraj FOP-Superior realised the best prices of Rs 110, followed by Havukal BOPF by Rs 108.56.