A mixed trend persisted for almost all varieties of tea at the Kochi Tea auction. In sale no 33, the quantity on offer in CTC dust category was 8,15,000 kg.

The market for good liquoring and popular marks was steady to firm. The teas which moved substantially last week witnessed some correction in prices.

Smaller grades appreciated, while grainier types declined following quality. Plainer grainer varieties were dearer and others were irregular and easier.

The orthodox grades witnessed low arrival and the quantity on offer was only 6,000 kg. The market for primary grades was dearer, while others tended to ease. Exporters and upcountry buyers lent useful support.

In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 110/128, RD grades fetched Rs 120/156, SRD ruled at Rs 130/161 and SFD stood at Rs 130/175.

However the demand was fair in leaf sale and the quantity on offer in orthodox grades was 82,000 kg. The market for select best Nilgiri brokens and whole leaf barely remained steady. Others were irregular and lower and witnessed some withdrawals.

Corresponding fannings was dearer. Better medium barely steady and tended to ease. The below best and poorer sorts were lower and sometimes find difficulties in sale. Fannings from the same origin were sold around last level.

The quantity on offer in CTC grades was 84,000 kg and the market for select best good liquoring teas was fully firm to dearer.

Others were lower and witnessed heavy withdrawals. There has been a subdued demand from exporters and upcountry buyers.

In the dust category, Waterfall SFD quoted the best prices of Rs 176 followed by Kallyar SFD at Rs 175. In the leaf varieties, Chamraj Green FOP (S) fetched the best prices of Rs 255 followed by Chamraj FPS at Rs 251

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