The Hindu Business Line : Prices firm at Kochi tea auction

, Firm trends were visible at the Kochi tea auction with prices of several varieties remaining firm to dearer. Prices of good liquoring CTC varieties were dearer, even as bolder CTC varieties remained steady. Prices of mediums and below medium CTC varieties eased by Re 1-Rs 2.

Prices of orthodox high grown dust firmed up while medium orthodox remained barely steady.

Major blenders lent good support on liquoring CTC varieties while medium bolder CTC witnessed some enquiry from exporters. There was 11,70,000 kg of dust tea on offer at the auction.

Best CTC varieties commanded a price of Rs 55-68, medium CTC was at Rs 46-50 and below medium at Rs 40-43. High grown BOPD dust was quoted at Rs 75-118, medium BOPD at Rs 43-46 and secondaries ranged between Rs 36-39.

Leaf Sale

There was fair general demand at the leaf tea auction, which had 4,03,000 kg on offer. Prices of medium orthodox bolder broken and whole leaf grades remained steady. Price of smaller broken tended to ease. Fannings were easier by Re 1- Rs 2, while high grown broken and fannings were irregular. CTC varieties tended to ease by Re 1- Rs 2.

Best Nilgiri varieties ranged between Rs 70-93, medium orthodox were at Rs 45-48 and plain orthodox quoted at Rs 44-45. Best CTC leaf was quoted at Rs 45-50 and medium CTC ranged at Rs 42-44.