The Hindu Business Line : Good demand for CTCs at Kolkata sale

Kolkata, July 22 Last week (i.e. the week ended July 21), the demand for CTC teas in the North India auction centres at Kolkata, Siliguri and Guwahati was generally good, according to J. Thomas & Company Private Ltd.

Good CTCs from Assam and Dooars had a firm market while the remainder sold irregularly. Plainer sorts eased. The western Indian as well as other domestic buyers operated with strength. The highest price was Rs 148 per kg. The major blenders and packeteers were active.

Orthodox teas continued to witness good demand, with good and tippy whole leaf and brokens holding attractive levels. Medium, smaller brokens eased in value with quality. The West Asia and Iran markets operated with strength with fair amount of inquiry from the CIS countries. Continental buying was evident on tippy sorts, selling up to Rs 610 per kg.

Darjeeling teas saw a good demand. Prices eased following quality. Better varieties continued to receive good competition at attractive prices, peaking at Rs 1,000 per kg.

CROP

Weather and climate in the tea growing areas in North India appear to be stabilising into normal seasonal conditions and crop growth is showing signs of recovery from mid-July.

INETRNATIONAL

Sri Lankan teas at Colombo auctions saw strong inquiry from Iran and the CIS countries and the prices showed all round appreciation, particularly for leafy types.

In Mombasa, Kenyan teas met with good general demand at fully firm rates, with brighter teas dearer. Weather conditions are wet and cold; with crop intakes as well as future offerings declining.