Good demand perked up prices of almost all varieties of tea in the Kochi Tea auction. In the Cochin Sale No 48, the quantity on offer in the CTC dust category was 11,09,000 kg. The market was fully firm to dearer by Rs 1 to Rs 2 and sometimes more, especially popular marks and other good liquoring, grainier varieties.

Of the quantity of 20,000 kg in the orthodox dust category, all varieties were fully firm to dearer by Rs 1 to Rs 2 and sometimes more. The bulk of offerings was absorbed by exporters. Upcountry buying was less, according to auctioneers Forbes, Ewart and Figgis (P) Ltd.

In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted at Rs 95-107, RD grades fetched Rs 102-112, SRD stood at Rs 103-111 and SFD at Rs 104-122.

In the leaf category of the Cochin Sale No.48, the quantity on offer in the orthodox grades was 2,02,500 kg. The market for good liquoring Nilgiri brokens, whole leaf was fully firm to dearer by lower margins of Rs 5 to Rs 10 and sometimes more.

Others were irregular and sometimes lower. The corresponding Fannings tended to ease. Medium bolder brokens, whole leaf and Fannings witnessed strong feature and continued to sell at dearer levels. Smaller brokens were barely steady and sometimes appreciated in value.

Of the 75,000 kg on offer in the CTC grades, the market opened on a steady note. As the sale progressed, it gained Rs 2 to Rs 5 and sometimes more.

In the dust category, Injipara (Prm) SRD fetched the best prices of Rs 128 followed by Injipara (Prm) RD at Rs 124. In the leaf varieties, P’s Woodlands Hyson Green Tea quoted the best prices of Rs 330, followed by Chamraj Green Tea FOP (S) at Rs 319.

>sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in