Despite good arrivals and demand, the Kochi tea auctions witnessed lower prices this week, especially for dust varieties.
The market for CTC grades was lower by Rs 3-Rs 7 and more as the sale progressed. However, the decline in prices was less for a few select good liquoring teas.
In sale no 46, the quantity on offer in dust grades was 10,22,500 kg. Plainer teas also sold around last levels. Blenders continued to be active on good liquoring varieties, while some of them very selective, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.
In orthodox varieties, the market for primaries remained steady to firm, while secondary varieties were easier. The quantity on offer was 11,000 kg. Exporters absorbed a small quantity sold.
In Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched Rs105-143, mediums quoted Rs71-104 and plain grades stood at Rs 55-67.
The leaf sales also witnessed a good demand with the market for well made good liquoring Nilgiri all varieties were dearer. The quantity on offer in orthodox grades was 216,000 kg. CIS and traditional exporters were active.
In CTC leaf, the market for Fannings were firm to dearer, while others were lower by Rs3 to Rs5 and sometimes more.
It also witnessed heavy withdrawals. Exporters and upcountry buyers absorbed bulk of the quantity sold.
In dust category, Monica SFD quoted the best prices of Rs 144, while Chamraj FOP-Sup green tea came to the top in leaf varieties, quoting Rs 333.