A better demand was witnessed for small quantities offered at the Kochi tea auctions.
In sale no 35, the quantity on offer in CTC dust grades was 6,68,000 kg.
The market opened by Rs 2-3 dearer. However, the prices improved further following quality and quantity as the sale progressed.
Plainer and browner teas were barely steady to Rs 2-3 dearer especially the powdery grades.
Upcountry buyers lent fair support while subdued demand from exporters.
The quantity on offer for orthodox grades was 6,000 kg and the market for primary grades was steady. Others were irregular and lower. Exporters and internal buyers absorbed small quantity of orthodox dust.
In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 113-131, RD grades fetched Rs 130-154, SRD ruled at Rs 134-165 and SFD stood at Rs 139-176.
The leaf sale also witnessed a mixed trend and the quantity on offer in the orthodox grades was 71,000 kg. The market for select best highgrowns was fully firm to dearer.
Others were irregular and sometimes lower. Well medium, tippy grades and bolder brokens appreciated in value. Fannings from the same origin moved up in value.
The quantity on offer in CTC leaf grades was 58,500 kg. Good liquoring teas were steady to dearer by Rs 1-2. Others were irregular and lower and witnessed heavy withdrawals especially the plainer teas.
In the dust category, both Monica SFD and Manjolai SFD quoted the best prices of Rs 176 each followed by Kallyar SFD at Rs 174. In the leaf grades, P’s Woodlands Hyson Green Tea fetched the best prices of Rs 303 followed by Goldsland Select BPS at Rs 264.
sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in