A volume of 4.83 lakh kg has been catalogued for the Dust auction of Sale No: 27 of Coonoor Tea Trade Association to be held on Friday. Of this, only 54,000 kg belongs to orthodox while 4.39 lakh kg, CTC. Together with 13.19 lakh kg of leaf grades, the volume coming up for the auction is 18.12 lakh kg – some 71,000 kg less than last week’s offer.

In the Dust market last week, Hindustan Unilever Ltd was selective on the brighter liquoring smaller grades and primary orthodox dusts. Indcoserve showed some interest on good medium and medium smaller grades. Other majors –Tata Global Beverages Ltd., Godfrey Phillips India and Duncans Tea Ltd – did not operate.

There was far enquiry from exporters for medium and plainer teas. Internal buyers were less active. There was good demand for brighter liquoring teas from upcountry buyers.