A mixed trend continues for all varieties of tea at the Kochi auction.

In Sale no 30, the quantity on offer in the dust CTC grades was 9,15,500 kg.

The demand for good liquoring and popular marks was strong, while a good demand for medium varieties good and fair for plainer.

The market for good liquoring teas was fully firm to dearer by Rs 3-5 . Others were irregular. Plainer teas were barely steady and tended to ease.

Kerala Loose Tea Traders and upcountry buyers lent fair support. However, there was a subdued demand from exporters and they were confined to medium and low priced teas.

Orthodox

The demand was less for orthodox grades and the quantity offered was 8,500 kg. The market was lower and witnessed some withdrawals.

In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 108-123, RD grades ruled at Rs 115-143, SRD fetched Rs 121-156 and SFD stood at Rs 123-170.

The quantity offered in orthodox leaf was 1,17,500 kg.

The market for good liquoring highgrown bolder bokens, whole leaf, smaller brokens was firm to dearer. Others were irregular.

Corresponding fannings were barely steady and tended to ease.

Well-made clean black medium bolder brokens, tippy grades, whole leaf were firm to dearer. Secondary brokens were irregular and easier. Fannings witnessed heavy withdrawals.

Of 63,500 kg on offer in CTC leaf grades, the market for good liquoring teas was steady to firm.

Others were irregular and lower. Exporters and upcountry buyers lent fair support.

Dust

In the dust category, Monica SFD fetched Rs 171 followed by both Kallayar SFD and Mayura SFD at Rs 167.

In the leaf varieties, Chamraj Green FOP (S) quoted Rs 263 followed by Chamraj OP at Rs 256.

> sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in