Pepper markets witnessed a mixed trend with the futures contracts moving up, while the spot prices fell sharply. Low bulk density is attributed to the persistent decline in spot prices, market sources told BusinessLine. On the terminal market, 23 tonnes were traded at ₹550-645 a kg. Spot prices fell by ₹300 a quintal to ₹63,000 (ungarbled) and ₹66,000 (garbled). February and March contracts on the IPSTA moved up by ₹1,000 each a quintal to ₹65,000 and ₹63,000 respectively. Export prices were at $9,975 a tonne c&f for Europe and $10,225 for the US.