The Hindu Business Line : Kochi tea prices up on good demand

Good general demand firmed up tea prices at the Kochi tea auction, that had 8.7 lakh kg of dust tea on offer. The prices opened at last week's levels for CTC dust tea, while medium and below medium varieties appreciated by a rupee as the sale progressed. There were good enquiries from exporters for these categories. Orthodox dust varieties were generally dearer by Rs1-2.

Best CTC dust varieties fetched between Rs 57 and Rs 65, medium CTC ranged around Rs 50-55, while below medium quoted at Rs 45-49. High grown BOPD dust was quoted at Rs 111, medium BOPD was not quoted, while secondaries fetched between Rs 35-38.

Leaf Sale

Prices of leaf tea appreciated as buyers chased good quality at the leaf tea auction, which had 3.17 lakh kg on offer. Prices of medium orthodox varieties remained steady. High grown orthodox varieties were dearer by Rs Rs1-3,especially the primary grades.

CTC leaf prices remained steady. Cleaner, blacker and smaller CTC fannings were dearer by Rs two to three as these grades witnessed good enquiry from exporters.

Best Nilgiri leaf tea fetched Rs 63-70, medium orthodox Rs 47-57 and plain orthodox Rs 43-45. Best CTC leaf was quoted at Rs 55-58, while medium CTC ranged between Rs 52 and Rs 55.

Top Prices

Kodanad BOPD fetched the top price in the dust segment at Rs 111, followed by Pasuparai SFD at Rs 99, Pasuparai FD at Rs 88 and Pasuparai RD at Rs 75. At the leaf tea auction, Chamaraj OP fetched the top price at Rs 102, followed by Havukal OP at Rs 93, Glendale BOPF at Rs 93 and Havukal BOPF at Rs 92.