Kochi Tea Auction Witnesses Steady Trend

Kochi: Good general demand lifted up the prices of several dust varieties at the Kochi tea auction. The market opened at last week's levels and medium CTC varieties eased during the course of auction. Best CTC varieties were quoted at Rs 66-77, medium CTC at Rs 57-63 and below medium ranged between Rs 48 and Rs 52. High-grown BOPD was quoted at Rs 75-116, while medium BOPD and secondaries were not quoted. Whole leaf grades remained firm, while medium orthodox broken and whole leaf grades remained firm to dearer. CTC varieties were barely steady. Medium orthodox saw demand from exporters to CIS countries while exporters to West Asia remained selective. CTC varieties saw better demand from exporters. Best Nilgiri varieties were quoted at Rs 75-85, medium orthodox was at Rs 55-80 and plain orthodox ranged between Rs 45 and Rs 52. Best CTC leaf varieties fetched Rs 52-57, while medium CTC ranged between Rs 45 and Rs 48. Kodanad BOPD fetched the top price in the dust segment at Rs 116.