Orthodox teas benefit on demand at Kochi auctions

Kochi: There was a significant increase in leaf tea arrivals from 2.58 lakh kg to 3.87 lakh at the Kochi tea auction, while dust arrivals maintained last week highs at 13.18 lakh kg. Good liquoring CTC dust varieties remained barely steady while prices of other CTC eased by Rs 2-3. High grown orthodox varieties eased by Rs 2 - 3 even as medium orthodox were barely steady. Blenders were selective. Best CTC varieties fetched Rs 54 - 62, medium CTC reigned at Rs 48 - 52 and below medium were at Rs 38 - 42. High grown BOPD fetched Rs 105, medium BOPD ranged at Rs 45 - 46 and secondaries quoted Rs 33 - 38.

Good general demand perked up the prices of high grown orthodox varieties by Rs 2-3. Whole leaf grades were also higher. Medium orthodox witnessed a steady market. CTC varieties were firm around last week's levels. There was good demand from blenders and interstate buyers on CTC grades. Best Nilgiri leaf quoted at Rs 70 - 90, medium orthodox Rs 47 - 74 and plain orthodox ranged at Rs 42 - 44. Best CTC leaf fetched Rs 51 - 54 and medium CTC was at Rs 43 - 46.