Uptrend continued in pepper, both spot and futures, on strong demand amid tight supply. Tamil Nadu-based dealers were actively buying from Idukki farm grade pepper at Rs 400-405 depending on the quality.
Upcountry buyers were also seen active. Re-processors were also showing interest to buy small quantities from the plains.
Exporters who have imported 500 GL pepper at a landed cost of Rs 355 a kg were looking for high bulk density pepper at a premium for mixing with the imported material and re-exporting, traders said.
On the spot, 13 tonnes of farm grade arrived and 17 tonnes were traded at Rs 399-400. September and October contracts on the NMCE increased by Rs 323 and Rs 673 a quintal respectively to Rs 42,713 and Rs 42,618.
Total turnover dropped by three tonnes to 32 tonnes.
Total open interest moved up by four tonnes to 32 tonnes.Spot prices continued to gain by Rs 200 to Rs 39,900 (ungarbled) and Rs 41,900 (garbled).
Indian parity in the international market stayed at $7,025 (c&f) Europe at $7,275 a tonne (c&f) US.