A mixed trend prevailed at the Kochi tea auction with the prices of most varieties quoting lower. In sale No. 49, the quantity on offer in CTC dust grade was 13,61,500 kg.
With a fair demand, the market was lower by Rs 3-5 and sometimes more following quality and witnessed heavy withdrawals.
However, the decline in prices was less for select best varieties. Though good export enquiry was noticed at the bottom levels, there was subdued demand from upcountry buyers.
The quantity on offer in orthodox grade was 10,000 kg. The market was lower by Rs 2-3 and witnessed some withdrawals. A small quantity was absorbed by upcountry buyers and exporters.
In the best CTC dust, PD varieties quoted prices between Rs 90/104, RD grades fetched Rs 94/126, SRD stood at Rs 100/136, while SFD ruled at Rs 105/144.
Leaf sale
Leaf sale also witnessed a fair demand and the quantity on offer in orthodox grade was 144,000 kg.
The market for Nilgiri brokens and whole leaf was lower by longer margins of Rs 10-15 and sometimes more with some withdrawals noticed. Best highgrown fannings remained steady, while others were lower by Rs 10 to Rs 20.
The quantity on offer in CTC leaf grade was 114,000 kg. The market was lower by Rs 3-5 and sometimes more. It also witnessed heavy withdrawals.
In the dust grade, Kallyar SFD fetched the best prices of Rs 149 followed by Manjolai SFD at Rs 148. In the leaf category, Chamraj FOP – (S) (Green Tea) quoted the best prices of Rs 315 followed by Pascoes Hyson Green Tea at Rs 306.