The Hindu Business Line : Firm trend at Kochi tea sale

Kochi Dec 23 Good general demand propped up the price of most teas at the Kochi tea auction. CTC dust varieties ended dearer by Rs 1-2, while general orthodox high grown dust grades were up by Rs 2-4. Medium orthodox were also up by Rs 2-4. There was 11,75,000 kg of dust tea on offer at the auction.

Good CTC dust quoted between Rs 65-79, medium CTC ranged at Rs 53-63 and below medium was at Rs 37-42. High grown BOPD varieties were at Rs 97-118, medium BOPD was at Rs 42-46 and secondaries were quoted Rs 38-40.

Leaf Sale

There was 5,07,000 kg of leaf tea which elicited fair general demand. Best quality high grown orthodox grades were firm to dearer. Whole leaf grades quoted higher. Prices of other high grown varieties eased. Medium whole leaf grades remained steady, while medium primaries tended to ease. Secondaries also remained steady on selective demand.

CTCs quoted higher by Rs 3-5. Good orthodox high grown witnessed good demand from exporters, who were selective on medium orthodox CTC grades. CTC varieties were also absorbed by interstate buyers.

Best Nilgiri varieties quoted Rs 78-93, medium orthodox ranged at Rs 50-62 and plain orthodox was at Rs 40-43. Best CTC leaf fetched Rs 52-58 and medium CTC leaf Rs 46-50.