Better demand perked up prices of some varieties of tea at the Kochi Tea auction this week.
Good liquoring varieties along with popular marks in the CTC dust category were dearer by Rs 2 to Rs 3 and sometimes more, especially the powdery grades. Others were irregular and occasionally tended to ease. According to auctioneers, Forbes, Ewart & Figgis, plainer varieties appreciated in value.
In sale no 38, the quantity on offer in CTC grades was 8,13,000 kg. A better enquiry noticed from exporters and upcountry buyers.
However, the demand was less in orthodox grades and the quantity on offer was 14,000 kg. The market was lower and witnessed heavy withdrawals. A small quantity sold was absorbed by exporters.
In the best CTC grades, Good quality fetched Rs 106-157, medium grades quoted Rs 71-100 while plain varieties stood at Rs 58-66.
In the leaf grades, there was a better demand for orthodox grades with 85,000 kg on offer. The market for Nilgiri Brokens, Whole Leaf and Fannings Appreciated in values following quality. Medium Clean Black Bolder Brokens, Tippy grades was firm to dearer.
The quantity on offer in CTC varieties was 63,500 kg and the market for Good Liquoring Bolder Brokens was higher. Corresponding Smaller Brokens and Fannings was steady and tended to ease. There was a better enquiry from upcountry buyers while exporters demand was subdued.
In the dust varieties, Monica SFD fetched the better prices of Rs 158 followed by Manjolai SFD at Rs 149. In the leaf grades, Chamraj Green tea FOP (Sup) quoted the best prices of Rs 361 followed by Pascoes Woodlands Hyson Green Tea at Rs 285.