Kochi tea auction sees mixed trend

Kochi: New flush from the monsoons has raised arrivals to the Kochi tea auction with the quantum of dust growing to 13,24,000 kg although leaf arrivals declined to 2,58,000 kg. Prices of CTC teas fell by Rs 2 to 3. CTC teas below Rs 50 witnessed good enquiry from exporters. Orthodox high grown dust remained steady. Best CTC varieties quoted between Rs 56 and Rs 65, medium CTC ranged Rs 50- 54, while below medium was at Rs 38-40. High grown BOPD quoted Rs 116, medium BOPD was at Rs 45- 46 and secondaries fetched Rs 36 - 40.

Lower arrivals seem to have picked up the leaf tea market where high grown orthodox grades were dearer by Rs 2-3 following quality. Mediums also saw firm markets, while the price of secondary orthodox eased. Orthodox grades saw good enquiry from exporters to CIS countries. Best Nilgiri varieties fetched Rs 67 - 87, medium orthodox was at Rs 48 - 75 while plain orthodox was at Rs 42 - 44. Best CTC leaf fetched Rs 50 - 55 and medium CTC ranged at Rs 43 - 45.