Low arrivals due to monsoon have resulted in increase in tea prices at the Kochi auction.

Good Liquoring teas in CTC dust were dearer by ₹3 to ₹5 and it appreciated further up to ₹10 and more as the sale progressed. Moreover, active participation of vendors like AVT, Kerala State Civil Supplies, Tata Global etc. has pushed up prices, auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.

In sale no 31, the quantity on offer in CTC grade was 9,94,000 kg. Upcountry buyers and Kerala Loose Tea Traders lent fair support.

Arrivals in orthodox grade were also low at 14,500 kg, with primaries remaining steady. Others were irregular and lower and witnessed many withdrawals. A small quantity of Orthodox dust sold was absorbed by exporters and upcountry buyers.

In Cochin CTC dust quotation, Good grades quoted ₹90-126, mediums fetched ₹62-90 and plain varieties stood at ₹50-63.

In Orthodox leaf, the quantity on offer was 189,500 kg and the market for Nilgiri Brokens was firm to dearer. Whole leaf remained steady and sometimes tended to ease. There was a fair demand from CIS countries and other exporters.

With 75,500 kg on offer in CTC leaf, select best brokens was dearer. All other grades were lower by ₹3 to ₹5 and sometimes more.

In dust grades, Injipara SRD quoted the best prices of ₹145 followed by Injipara SRD/Waterfall SFD at ₹130. In leaf varieties, Chamraj FOP-Sup Green Tea fetched the best prices of ₹376 followed by P’s Woodlands Hyson Green Tea at ₹293.

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