The average CTC price was marginally up at Rs 147.02 a kg at this week’s Kolkata tea auctions compared with Rs 146.01 last week, according to J. Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd, the tea auctioneers.
The average orthodox price was lower at Rs 175 (Rs 188.56) . An estimated 81.59 per cent of the CTC offerings were sold (79.5 per cent). The corresponding offering figures for orthodox were 84.53 per cent (85.93 per cent). This week, the total offerings (packages) at three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 3,80,623 (4,86,556) in last year.
The offerings at Kolkata comprised CTC/Dust 1,33,659 (1,61,523), Orthodox 20,591 (38,554) and Darjeeling 6,808 (4,755). At two other centres, the offerings, mainly CTC/Dust, were: Guwahati 1,09,998 (1,68,593) and Siliguri 1,09,567 (1,13,131).
Assam CTC teas maintaining quality sold at firm rates while the remainder was barely steady and irregularly lower.
Better Dooars were rarely steady and irregularly lower while the remainder eased in value. Hindustan Unilever was very selective while Tata Global continued to operate actively.
Western India dealers were active on the liquoring sorts. There were good enquiries from North India and local sections. Exporters operated mainly on the bolder brokens. Clean, well made, orthodox whole leaf grades were firm while the remainder was irregularly lower in line with quality.
Well made larger brokens appreciated while the remaining brokens were firm around last levels. Fannings met with fewer inquires and were sold at irregularly lower rates. There was a Continental enquiry on tippy and liquoring varieties. Exporters to CIS and West Asia operated actively. Hindustan Unilever was selective. Darjeeling whole leaf grades sold in line with quality. There was useful support from Hindustan Unilever while Tata Global was selective. Brokens and fannings were dearer owing to strong export and local enquiries.