Last week at sale no 35, the total offerings (packages) at three North Indian auction centres, Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri, were 3,96,189 as compared to 3,81,216 in the corresponding sale of last year, according to tea auctioneers, J Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd.

However, the offerings at Kolkata were lower at 1,79,687 kg (1, 89,168 kg) largely due to lower offerings of Orthodox at 27,414 kg (50,616 kg). The offerings of CTC/Dust at 1,46,176 kg (1,33,656 kg) and Darjeeling at 6,097 kg (4,896 kg) were higher.

The offerings at Guwahati were higher at 1,34,811 kg (1,01,947 kg) but those at Siliguri were lower at 81,691 kg (90,101 kg).

Assam teas

Assam CTC teas maintaining quality were around last while the remainder were irregularly lower. There was good demand for the plainer sorts which sold readily. Dooars were irregular around last levels. Tata Global was the mainstay, while there was fair enquiry from Hindustan Unilever on the leaf grades and good support on the dust grades.

Western India dealers were active for the liquoring sorts. There was fair enquiry from North India and from local sections. Exporters operated primarily on bolder brokens.

exports

Well-made Orthodox whole leaf and broken grades were firm while the remainder were irregularly lower. Continental buyers were selective.

Darjeeling whole leaf varieties sold at irregular rates. Brokens and fannings sold at around last levels. There was useful enquiry from traditional exporters as well as the major blenders. Local dealers operated for the brokens and fannings.