A good demand perked up prices of almost all varieties of teas at Kochi Tea auction last week. In Cochin Sale No: 51, the quantity on offer in the CTC dust category was 12,06,000 kg.
The market opened firm to dearer by Re 1 to Rs 3 and sometimes more. As the sale progressed, high-priced teas witnessed resistance and sold around last. It sometimes eased in value in the absence of leading exporters.
However, the medium plainer varieties continued to be fully firm to dearer by Re 1 to Rs 2 and sometimes more.
Of the quantity of 17,000 kg on offer in the orthodox grades, primary grades were steady to firm. Others were irregular and easier with some withdrawals. Bulk of the offerings was absorbed by exporters.
In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties fetched prices between Rs 100/111, RD grades realised Rs 108/114, SRD ruled at Rs 108/116 and SFD at Rs 107/117.
The leaf sale also witnessed a good demand and the quantity on offer in the orthodox varieties was 190,000 kg. The market for Nilgiri Brokens and Fannings was firm to dearer following quality. Bolder brokens and whole leaf witnessed strong feature and appreciated by longer margins.
Well-made clean black, medium bolder brokens, tippy grades were firm to dearer. Whole leaf was dearer by Rs 3 to Rs 5 and sometimes more. Corresponding Fannings remained steady and all varieties of secondary grades moved up.
The quantity on offer in CTC leaf was 97,000 kg and the market was firm to dearer by Re 1 to Rs 3 and sometimes more. Widespread enquiry noticed from upcountry buyers and exporters on all varieties.
In the dust category, both Injipara (Prm) RD and SFD varieties fetched the best prices of Rs 130 followed by Talliar SRD at Rs 125. In the leaf grades, Pascoes Hyson Green Tea realised the best prices of Rs 351 followed by Chamraj FOP-Sup Green Tea at Rs 341.