A mixed trend persisted for almost all varieties of tea at the Kochi Tea auction last week. In Sale number 50, the quantity on offer in dust CTC grades was 14,48,500 kg.

With demand being good, the market for good liquoring teas ruled steady to firm. Sometimes, it was dearer. Others were irregular and lower by Rs 3-5. Sometimes, they ruled even lower. However, the drop in prices was less for plainer varieties.

In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 90-104, RD grades fetched Rs 91-129, SRD ruled at Rs 103-139 and SFD stood at Rs 109-144.

The quantity on offer in the orthodox leaf grades was 1,65,500 kg and demand was fair. The market for Nilgiri brokens and whole leaf was irregular and lower by Rs 10 to Rs 15. Sometimes,. It was more following quality.

Highgrown fannings ruled steady to lower. Clean black well made medium tippy grades, bolder brokens barely remained steady and tended to ease. It also witnessed heavy withdrawals.

The quantity on offer in CTC leaf was 55,000 kg and the market for good liquoring and clean black varieties was steady. Others were irregular and lower.

In the dust category, Kallyar SFD fetched the best price of Rs 144, followed by Manjolai SFD at Rs 143. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP – (S) (Green Tea) fetched the top price of Rs 305, followed by Pascoes Hyson Green Tea Rs 281.

sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in