The Hindu Business Line : Orthodox teas gain on demand at Kochi sales

Kochi June 15 There was a substantial increase in leaf tea arrivals from 2.58 lakh kg to 3.87 lakh at the Kochi tea auction, while dust arrivals maintained last week highs at 13.18 lakh kg. Good liquoring CTC dust varieties remained barely steady while prices of other CTC eased by Rs 2-3.

High grown orthodox varieties eased by Rs 2 - 3 even as medium orthodox were barely steady. Blenders were selective. Domestic market players also operated with fair strength. Export enquiries on medium and below medium CTC were evident.

Best CTC varieties fetched Rs 54 - 62, medium CTC reigned at Rs 48 - 52 and below medium were at Rs 38 - 42. High grown BOPD fetched Rs 105, medium BOPD ranged at Rs 45 - 46 and secondaries quoted Rs 33 - 38.

Leaf Tea

Good general demand perked up the prices of high grown orthodox varieties by Rs 2-3. Whole leaf grades were also higher. Medium orthodox witnessed a steady market. CTC varieties were steady around last week's levels.

Orthodox grades witnessed good enquiry from exporters to CIS countries. There was good demand from blenders and interstate buyers on CTC grades. Best Nilgiri leaf quoted at Rs 70 - 90, medium orthodox Rs 47 - 74 and plain orthodox ranged at Rs 42 - 44. Best CTC leaf fetched Rs 51 - 54 and medium CTC was at Rs 43 - 46.

Top Prices

Kodanad BOPD fetched the top price in the dust segment at Rs 105, followed by Shanthi SFD at Rs 80, Highfield SFD Rs 80 and Highfield & Shanthi SRD at Rs 79. In the leaf segment, Chamraj FP quoted the top price at Rs 129, followed by Havukal BOPF at Rs 120, Kodanad BOPF at Rs 115 and Chamraj OP at Rs 114.