Tea prices were mixed at this week’s sale (No. 39) at the Kolkata tea auction.

According to J. Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd, the auctioneers, the average price of CTC leaf at Rs 147.31 a kg was higher than last week’s (Sale No. 38) Rs 143.67 while the average price of orthodox variety was lower at Rs 202.48 (Rs 212.65).

An estimated 75.82 per cent (74.87 per cent) of CTC and 88.02 per cent (89.06 per cent) of orthodox tea was sold.

This week, the total offerings (packages) at the three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 4,56,097 compared with 4,62,724 in the corresponding sale (No. 39) of 2012.

The offerings at Kolkata comprised CTC/dust 1,59,126 (1,66,876), orthodox 41,198 (25,894) and Darjeeling 6,670 (8,904). Offerings at two other centres were: Guwahati 1,41,619 (1,40,530) and Siliguri 1,07,484 (1,40,530).

Best Assam CTC teas eased in value, while the remainder was irregularly around last levels.

HUL selective

Fannings were firm to occasionally dearer, following improved export enquiries. Dooars sold at around last and irregularly lower levels. Tata Global was the mainstay. Hindustan Unilever was selective.

Western India operated actively for the liquoring teas. Enquiries from other internal and local sections were fair.

There was improved export enquiry for fannings.

Orthodox tippy teas sold well in line with quality.

Clean well made whole leaf and brokens were around last.

Remainder was irregularly lower, particularly stalkier whole leaf which saw some withdrawals.

Fannings were irregularly easier.

The CIS and West Asian shippers were active.

There was some Continental interest on the tippy teas.

Hindustan Unilever operated selectively.

Darjeeling offerings met with better enquiry.

Selected whole leaf varieties maintaining quality were readily absorbed.

The remainder eased in value and witnessed withdrawals.

Brokens and fannings also declined. There was fair export interest.

Local dealers operated for cheaper sorts. Tata Global was selective while there was useful support from Hindustan Unilever.

>santanu.sanyal@thehindu.co.in

Related Topics