Prices decline at Kochi tea sale

Orthodox dust varieties witnessed heavy withdrawals due to less number of bids at Kochi tea auction.

Though there was an increase in arrivals at 17,000 kg compared to last week, the demand was less. A small quantity sold was absorbed by exporters.

Despite good arrivals, prices declined for almost all varieties in sale no 43. The quantity on offer in CTC grades was 12,45,500 kg, up from last week's level.

The market opened ₹3 to ₹5 lower. The drop in prices was ₹5 to ₹10 and sometimes more as the sale progressed. It even witnessed heavy withdrawals, auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.

However, the decline in prices was less for few select Best Good Liquoring varieties. Exporters confined to medium and plainer varieties.

In best Cochin CTC dust sale, good varieties fetched ₹90-137, medium grades quoted ₹70-90 and plain category stood at ₹55-65.

Arrival was good in leaf category and the quantity on offer in Orthodox grades was 188,000 kg. The market for Nilgiri Brokens was irregular and lower. Whole Leaf from the same area was steady to firm and sometimes tended to ease.

The quantity on offer in CTC leaf was 78,000 kg and the market was irregular and lower by ₹2 to ₹3. The decline in prices was less for select Best Good Liquoring varieties. Though exporters demand subdued, a fair enquiry was noticed from upcountry buyers.

In dust category, Manjolai SFD quoted the best prices of ₹140 followed by Monica SFD at ₹137. In leaf grades, Chamraj Green Tea FOP (Sup) fetched the best prices of ₹341 followed by Pascoes Hyson Green Tea at ₹286.

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