The Hindu Business Line : Prices ease at Kochi tea sale

, There was 9.74 lakh kg of dust tea on offer at the Kochi tea auction, where prices for CTC varieties eased by Rs 0.50-1.50. Prices of orthodox high grown varieties were lower, while medium varieties witnessed hardly any demand. Domestic buyers remained selective while good medium liquoring CTC varieties were supported by major blenders.

Best CTC dust varieties commanded Rs 54-70, medium CTC at Rs 51-54 and below medium ranged between Rs 45 and Rs 50.

Leaf Auction

There was 3.47 lakh kg of leaf tea on offer at the auction where the prices of best quality primary orthodox broken remained firm to dearer. Prices of other varieties remained steady. Fannings witnessed poorer enquiry. Prices of high grown orthodox varieties firmed up by Rs2-3. Prices of CTC varieties eased by a rupee or two. Exporters lent good support for primary orthodox grades, while CTC varieties did not receive similar attention.

Best Nilgiri leaf fetched Rs 80-85, medium orthodox was at Rs 57-88 and plain orthodox ranged between Rs 50 and Rs 53. Best CTC leaf realised between Rs 50and Rs 54, while medium CTC leaf was at Rs 47-Rs 50.

Top Prices

Kodanad BOPD commanded the top price in the dust segment at Rs 100, followed by Pasuparai FD at Rs 89, Pasuparai SFD at Rs 87 and Pasuparai SD at Rs 74. In the leaf segment, Sutton OP commanded the top price at Rs 107, followed by Quinshola FP again at Rs 107, Chamraj OP at Rs 106 and Havukal FP at Rs 104.