Despite blenders lending support on good liquoring varieties, prices of several tea varieties at Kochi auctions especially in dust category was lower.
Of the quantity of 921,500 kg on offer in sale no 8, the market was irregular and lower by Rs 3 to Rs 5 and more as the sale progressed. Leading blenders along with regional players extent useful support, while there was a subdued demand from loose tea traders. Exporters and upcountry buyers offered good support, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.
However, the market for orthodox dust was dearer by Rs 3 to Rs 5 and sometimes more witnessing a good demand. The quantity on offer was 9,500 kg.
In Cochin CTC dust quotation, good varieties fetched Rs 107-150, medium grades quoted Rs 96-130 and plains stood at Rs 84-112.
In leaf sales, the market for Nilgiri brokens and whole leaf was irregular and lower with longer margins of Rs 10 to Rs 15 and more. Medium brokens, tippy grades and whole leaf also showed a decline in the tune of Rs 5 to Rs 7. The quantity on offer in orthodox grades was 182,000 kg.
However the CTC leaf market was generally appreciated by Rs 3 to Rs 5 and more following quality. The quantity on offer was 63,000 kg and there was a subdued demand from exporters.
In dust varieties, Surianalle SFD quoted the best prices of Rs 151 followed by both Mayura SFD and Waterfall SFD at Rs 150 each. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP-Sup green tea fetched the best prices of Rs 361 followed by Havukal FOP at Rs 351.