Kochi tea auction witnessed a declining trend in prices for several varieties despite improved arrivals this week.
In sale no 9, the quantity on offer in CTC dust was 10,58,000 kg, registering an increased compared to last week.
With good demand, the teas which came under the section of AVT, were steady to firm and sometimes dearer. Others were irregular and lower by ₹2 to ₹4 and sometimes more.
According to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis, there was subdued demand both from upcountry buyers and Kerala loose tea traders. Exporters confined to medium and plainer varieties and they operated with less strength.
Quantity on offer in Orthodox grades was 9,000 kg and the market was lower by ₹2 to ₹3. A small quantity of Orthodox grades sold was absorbed by exporters.
In Cochin CTC dust quotation, prices of good varieties fetched ₹86-148, mediums quoted ₹70-111 and plain grades stood at ₹64-75.
In the leaf category, the quantity on offer in Orthodox grades was 128,500 kg with 92 per cent getting sold. However, the market for Nilgiri Brokens and Whole Leaf was irregular and lower.
In CTC, the quantity on offer was 92,000 kg and the market was irregular and lower by ₹2 to ₹4. It also witnessed lot of withdrawals.
In dust category, Monica SFD quoted the best prices of ₹150, followed by Manjolai SFD at ₹148. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP (S) Green Tea fetched the best prices of ₹330, followed by P’ Woodlands Hyson Green Tea at ₹306.