Low arrivals and subdued demand, both from blenders and upcountry buyers, impacted the prices of several tea varieties at Kochi auctions this week.

The market for CTC dust was ₹5-10 lower, sometimes more so. However, the price decline was lesser for select best powdery grades. In sale no 16, the quantity on offer in CTC grades was low, at 7,69,000 kg.

Leading blenders such as HUL and Tata Global were very selective and absorbed only a small quantity. Lesser enquiry was noticed from exporters, said auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis.

However, the demand was good for orthodox varieties and the market was dearer by ₹3-5. The quantity on offer was low at 1,500 kg and a small quantity was absorbed by exporters.

In Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched ₹120-181, mediums quoted ₹105-150 and plain grades stood at ₹100-113. Tea prices in the leaf category also declined, with the market for Nilgiri brokens in orthodox grades irregular and lower by ₹5-10. The quantity on offer was 1,11,500 kg.

comment COMMENT NOW