The Kochi tea auction market continues to witness a declining trend, with prices quoting lower for almost all varieties.
In Sale No 20, the quantity on offer in the CTC dust category was 12,35,500 kg. The market opened Rs 3 to Rs 5 lower and the decline was to the tune of Rs 10 as the sale progressed.
However, the drop in price was less for some select, clean, black, well-made grainier varieties and a few popular marks.
The quantity on offer in the Orthodox grades was 5,500 kg and the market was fully firm to dearer. A major portion was absorbed by exporters.
In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 101/121, RD grades fetched Rs 103/120, SRD ruled at Rs 108/130 and SFD stood at Rs 108/145.
The prices in the leaf sale also witnessed a declining trend and the quantity on offer in the Orthodox grades was 116,000 kg. The market for select best Nilgiri barely remained steady. Others were irregular and lower by Rs 5 to Rs 10 and sometimes more.
Well-made clean black medium bolder brokens and corresponding tippy grades were fully firm to dearer. Others were irregular and lower and witnessed some withdrawals. Corresponding Fannings gained.
The quantity on offer in the CTC leaf grades was 101,000 kg. The market was lower by Rs 3 to Rs 5 and sometimes more following quality and witnessed some withdrawals. However, the drop in prices was less for clean, black and well-made teas.
In the dust category, Monica SFD quoted the best price of Rs 149, followed by Kallavar SFD at Rs 140. In the leaf varieties, Chamraj OP Delight Green Tea fetched the best price of Rs 330, followed by Pascoes Hyson Green Tea at Rs 296.