The Hindu Business Line : Firm trend at Kochi tea auction

Good general demand propped up the prices of CTC teas by Rs two to four at the Kochi tea auction. Orthodox varieties also ruled firmer. CTC varieties witnessed good support from major tea packing groups as well as loose tea trade section. Exporters were also major buyers in the market. There was 9,76,000 kg of dust tea on offer at the auction.

Best CTC varieties fetched between Rs 65 - 79, medium CTC ranged at Rs 52 - 60, while below medium varieties quoted at Rs 43 - 47. High grown BOPD varieties fetched Rs 65 - 118, medium BOPD was at Rs 45, while secondaries were not quoted at the auction.

Leaf Tea

There was 2,99,000 kg of leaf tea on offer at the auction which had fair general demand. High grown orthodox whole leaf grades and good quality broken and fannings were dearer. Other high grown varieties remained barely steady. Prices of medium primary varieties eased by Rs one to three, while medium secondaries witnessed less demand. CTC prices remained steady to dearer.

High grown orthodox varieties witnessed good demand from exporters to CIS countries and West Asia. There were some export enquiries for good quality CTC varieties as well.

Best Nilgiri varieties commanded Rs 80 - 100, medium orthodox fetched Rs 46 - 72, while plain orthodox ranged between Rs 43 - 45. Best CTC leaf varieties were quoted at Rs 53 - 58 and medium CTC was at Rs 47 - 52.

Top Prices

In the dust segment, Kodanad BOPD fetched the top price at Rs 118, followed by Pasuparai FD at Rs 98, Pasuparai RD at Rs 82 and Pasuparai SFD at Rs 79. In the leaf segment Quinshola FOPS topped at Rs 123, followed by Chamraj FOP at Rs 121, Colacumby FP at Rs 121 and Quinshola FPS at Rs 121.