Average tea prices declined at the Kochi tea auctions, despite blenders’ support to hold the market. In CTC dust, the average price realised was ₹123.77/kg compared to ₹125.33/kg.
The quantity on offer in sale No 19 was 9,45,521.30 kg. The market for good liquoring teas barely remained steady, while others were irregular and lower by ₹1 to ₹3 or sometimes more depending on quality.
However, medium and plainer teas were steady to firm and sometimes dearer, especially the blacker teas. There was an improved demand from Kerala and upcountry buyers.
The market for orthodox dust sold around previous levels. The quantity on offer was 12,500 kg. Exporters and upcountry buyers covered the small quantity sold.
In Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched ₹122-150, mediums quoted ₹98-135 and plain grades stood at ₹93-101.
In the leaf category, the market for good liquoring Nilgiri whole leaf and Fannings in orthodox grades was firm to dearer. The quantity on offer was 2,05,701 kg. In CTC leaf, the market for high-priced brokens was lower and Fannings were dearer. The quantity on offer was 97,500 kg. Exporters lent fair support on small brokens and Fannings.
Monica SFD quoted the best price of ₹150/kg in dust varieties, while Chamraj OP came onto the top in leaf, quoting ₹271/kg.