Prices of several tea varieties declined at the Kochi auctions due to non-participation of major blenders.
However, good liquoring and popular marks of Kerala were steady to firm and sometimes dearer. Others were irregular and occassionally lower, witnessing some withdrawal, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.
In sale no 47, the quantity on offer in CTC dust was 10,45,000 kg. Regional blenders including the State Civil Supplies Corporation were active on good liquoring teas. Exporters were selective and operated on medium and plainer varieties.
The orthodox market remained barely steady and tended to ease. The quantity on offer was 9,000 kg. Exporters continued to be the mainstay.
In the leaf category, the market for select best Nilgiri brokens and Fannings in orthodox grades was firm to dearer. The quantity on offer was 2,50,000 kg. Exporters to CIS and other destinations operated with lower limits.
In CTC, the market for good liquoring bolder brokens was higher, while smaller brokens and Fannings were easier. The quantity on offer was 41,000 kg.
In dust grades, Monica SFD quoted the best prices of Rs 162, followed by Murugan SFD at Rs147. Sutton Pekoe came to the top in the leaf category, quoting Rs 238, followed by Chamraj FP-S at Rs231.