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

Last week there was a good demand for CTC teas in North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Siliguri and Guwahati, according to the tea auctioneers, J. Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd. Good quality CTC brokens sold around last levels, with prices for the remainder following quality. Base levels remained firm. The domestic buyers operated with strength, while export inquiry picked up for bolder brokens and fannings. Prices peaked at Rs 124 per kg.

Orthodox varieties too saw good demand with prices holding firm. Smaller brokens were occasionally dearer. The CIS and the West Asian buyers operated active, with good support from major blender and North India. The highest price was Rs 1,530 per kg.

Darjeeling offerings saw improved demand and teas sold readily at firm rates.

CROP & WEATHER

Reports of heavy and incessant rainfall were received from the tea growing districts in Assam and Dooars. Crop intakes in the first week of August were lower than the same period last year.

INTERNATIONAL

Kenyan crops, after showing consistent increases in the first five months of the year, recorded a decline of 1.66 per cent in June.

The cumulative figure up to June stands at 198.8 million kg.

The present cold and wet conditions are causing drop in crops. Mombasa auctions registered a firm to dearer market this week. Sri Lankan markets were again strong following widespread buying for exports.