Pepper continues to fall

Heavy selling pressure pounded spot pepper prices, which fell further sharply on Friday. Arrivals from Karnataka and Idukki district of Kerala have increased and that in turn pulled spot prices down, market sources told BusinessLine. On the spot, 47 tonnes were traded at prices ranging between ₹550 and ₹560 a kg. Spot prices fell by ₹1,000 a quintal to ₹54,500 (ungarbled) and ₹57,500 (garbled). On the IPSTA platform, March series moved up slightly. Export prices also fell to $9,400 a tonne c&f prompt shipment, while March and April shipments are at $9,000 and $8,700 respectively.