The total offerings last week during the 34th sale, at three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 4,57,596 against 3,67,360 in the corresponding sale last year, according to the tea auctioneer J Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd.

The offerings at Kolkata were 2,03,154 (1,73,583) comprising CTC/Dust 1,53,321 (1,17,860), Orthodox 43,534 (48,837) and Darjeeling 6,299 (6,866).

The corresponding figures for Guwahati were 1,45,352 (1,08,283) and for Siliguri 1,09,090 (85,514).

Assam CTC brokens were barely steady and tended easier while fannings eased in value. Fannings were an easier trend. There was better demand for the plainer sorts which sold readily. Dooars were irregular around last levels. Tata Global was the mainstay while there was fair enquiry from Hindustan Unilever on the leaf grades and good support on the dust grades. Western India dealers were active for the liquoring sorts. There was improved enquiry from North India and fair support from local sections. Exporters operated primarily on bolder brokens.

Orthodox offerings met with good demand at easier rates. There were fewer enquiries for the tippy teas from the Continental buyers.

Darjeeling whole leaf varieties maintaining quality sold at firm to dearer rates while the remainder were irregularly lower. Brokens and fannings saw a similar trend. There were enquiries from traditional exporters as well as the major blenders. Local dealers operated for the brokens and fannings.

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