Prices of several tea varieties at the Kochi auctions declined this week on increased arrivals.In sale no 25, the quantity on offer in CTC dust grades was 13,33,500 kg, showing an increase compared to last week. Others were irregular and lower by ₹2-4 a kg and sometimes more as the sale progressed.
Though there was a subdued demand from major tea companies, a better enquiry was noticed from exporters and upcountry buyers.
Of the 14,500 kg on offer in Orthodox varieties, the market was lower and witnessed some withdrawals. A small quantity sold was absorbed by exporters, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.
In Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched ₹90-130, mediums quoted ₹65-95 and plain grades stood at ₹57-65.
However, the demand was fair in leaf sales with 2,18,500 kg on offer in Orthodox category, which was up compared to last week arrivals. The market for good liquoring Nilgiri brokens and whole leaf was barely steady. CIS and other exporters lent fair support.
In CTC leaf, the market for good liquoring bolder brokens remained barely steady. The quantity on offer was 77,000 kg.
In dust varieties, Monica SFD quoted the best prices of ₹132 followed by Sholayar/Mayura SFD at ₹127. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP-sup green tea fetched the best prices of ₹316 followed by Chamraj OP at ₹227.