A mixed trend persisted for almost all varieties at the Kochi Tea auction. In sale no 53, the quantity on offer in CTC dust grades was 14,31,500 kg.
With a good demand, the market opened on a steady to firm level and sometimes dearer by Rs 2-3 a kg for the powdery grades. However, as the sale progressed, the market improved further for the good liquoring varieties. The quantity on offer in the orthodox dust was 11,000 kg and the demand was less. A small quantity of orthodox dust sold was absorbed by exporters and upcountry buyers. In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 94/111, RD grades fetched Rs 100/140, SRD ruled at Rs 111/150 and SFD stood at Rs 120/171.
The leaf sale also witnessed a mixed trend and the quantity on offer in orthodox grades was 208,000 kg. With a less demand, the market for select best Nilgiri whole leaf barely remained steady. Brokens and tippy grades were lower with longer margins of Rs 10-15.
The quantity on offer in CTC grades was 73,000 kg. The market for good liquoring teas was barely remained steady. Others were irregular and lower by Rs 3-5.