Tea prices rise at Kochi sale

Active participation of blenders lifted prices of good liquoring tea varieties at Kochi auctions. The market opened ₹2-3 a kg lower, while good liquoring teas were sold at around last levels. A better enquiry was seen from exporters and upcountry buyers, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said. In orthodox grades, the market for primary grades remained steady, while others were irregular and sometimes easier. The quantity on offer was 10,500 kg. In Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched ₹104-159, mediums quoted ₹81-118 and plain grades stood at ₹65-87. In leaf category, the market for select best Nilgiri brokens and whole leaf in orthodox grades was steady to firm. Exporters and upcountry buyers absorbed the quantity sold. Puduthottam SFD/SRD topped the dust grades quoting ₹159. In leaf, Chamraj OP fetched ₹316.