The Hindu Business Line : Prices rule steady at Kochi tea sale

The price of high quality CTC varieties eased by Rs 2-4 at the Kochi tea auction which had 8,98,000 kg of dust tea on offer. Medium and other CTC varieties were steady at last week's levels, while orthodox high grown dust was quoted higher.

Medium orthodox was also dearer by Re 1-Rs 2. Major blenders were fairly active in the market, where domestic buyers lent useful support. Medium teas witnessed some enquiry from exporters.

Best CTC dust was quoted at Rs 61-70, medium CTC ranged between Rs 52 and Rs 60 and below medium was at Rs 46-50. High grown BOPD varieties commanded Rs 85-125, medium BOPD was at Rs 49-53 and secondaries at Rs 42-44.

Leaf Sale

There was 2,78,000 kg of leaf tea on offer, which elicited fair general demand. High grown orthodox whole leaf grades and good quality broken varieties were fully firm to dearer. Fannings were steady while medium orthodox remained stable following quality. CTC varieties were also steady at last week's levels.

Medium orthodox witnessed good enquiry from exporters while exporters to West Asia absorbed most of the high grown varieties.

Best Nilgiri varieties fetched Rs 85-115, medium orthodox quoted Rs 44-70 and plain orthodox was quoted at Rs 42- 43. Best CTC leaf realised Rs 51-53, while medium CTC ranged between Rs 47 and Rs 52.