Subdued demand from blenders, upcountry buyers and exporters seems to have affected prices of several tea varieties at the Kochi auctions this week.
In CTC dust, the market for high-priced teas witnessed resistance with prices declining to the tune of ₹3 to ₹5 and sometimes more following quality. However, the price drop was less for medium and plainer teas, especially for grainier varieties. The quantity on offer in the CTC grades was 8,96,000 kg in sale no 22.
The market for primary grades in orthodox remained steady, while secondaries were dearer. The quantity on offer was 13,000 kg, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.
In the Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched ₹105-137, mediums quoted ₹93-117 and plain grades stood at ₹90-98.
In the leaf category, the market for select best high-grown brokens, whole leaf and Fannings in orthodox grades was firm to dearer. The quantity on offer was 1,21,000 kg.
However, there was good demand in CTC leaf with the market for good liquoring brokens and Fannings firm to dearer. The quantity on offer was 50,000 kg.
In the dust category, Pasuparai RD quoted the best price of ₹146, followed by Monica SFD, Chinnar SFD and Pasuparai SRD at ₹139. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP-S (green tea) was at the top quoting ₹326, followed by Chamraj OP at ₹278.