The Hindu Business Line : Mixed trend at Kochi tea sale

A MIXED trend persisted for almost all varieties of tea at the Kochi Tea auction. Though the dust sale witnessed a good general demand, it was comparatively for leaf varieties.

Of the quantity of 827,000 kg on offer in the dust varieties, the CTC market was easier by Re 1 to Rs 3 and sometimes more especially for high priced teas. Orthodox dusts were easier.

The best CTC varieties commanded prices between Rs 51 and Rs 67, medium CTC realised Rs 43-50 and poorer type were quoted Rs 34 - 40. Highgrown BOPD fetched prices at Rs 100, while Secondaries were quoted at Rs 30-34.

The leaf sale witnessed only a fair general demand and the quantity on offer was 190,000 kg. Orthodox Highgrown leaf grades were lower by Rs 3 to Rs 5. Medium bulder brokens remained steady. Smaller brokens and Fannings were easier by Rs 1 to Rs 2. CTC was lower by Rs 1 to Rs 2.

CIS operated with better strength compared to last week. Iraq buyers were active, while other exporters were firm. The best Nilgiri varieties commanded prices in the range of Rs 49-64, medium Orthodox realised Rs 45-58. The best CTC leaf fetched prices between Rs 47-60, while medium CTC leaf realised Rs 36-42.

In the dust category, Kodanaad CL-BOPD fetched the best prices of Rs 100 followed by Pasuparai FD by Rs 77. In the leaf varieties, Kodanaad BOPF-CL realised the best prices of Rs 100 followed by Havukal BOPF by Rs 95.