Kochi tea gathers steam on short supply

Tea prices at Kochi auctions have increased on short supply, with the dust average price moving up by ₹2.86 a kg.

The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis attribute the reasons for price surge to decline in quantity of future offerings and the absence of sales for next week due to Easter holidays. However, they said that chances are better for further improvement in prices in the forthcoming auctions.

In sale no 13, the quantity on offer in dust category was 9,88,500 kg. With 86 per cent sold, the market for Good Liquoring and teas was firm to dearer by ₹2-4.

It was more as the sale progressed especially for the smaller grades. Others were irregular and sometimes lower. Export demand was subdued and covered only a small quantity.

With a less demand, the quantity on offer in Orthodox varieties was 16,000, registering an improvement in arrivals. In Cochin CTC Dust quotation, Good varieties quoted ₹85-148, mediums fetched ₹76-118 and plain grades stood at ₹60-72.

In leaf grades, the quantity on offer for both Orthodox and CTC was 89,500 kg, which was low compared to last week. In Orthodox sale, the market for Nilgiri Brokens and Fannings was firm to dearer following quality. Good Liquoring Whole Leaf was higher, while others were irregular and lower and witnessed some withdrawals.

In the CTC market, Clean, black, well-made Fannings barely remained steady. All other grades were irregular and lower by ₹2-3 and sometimes more.

In the dust category, Parajulie SFD quoted the best prices of ₹150 followed by Waterfall (Prm) SFD at 148. In leaf grades, Chamraj OP Delight (Green Tea) fetched the best prices of ₹386 followed by Kodanaad TGFOP at ₹337.

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