Good Demand At Guwahati Tea Auctions

Kolkata: Last week, there was no sale of CTC teas either at Kolkata or Siliguri auctions; however, Guwahati witnessed a good demand and all categories sold at firm to dearer rates, according to J. Thomas and Company Ltd, the tea auctioneers. There was good inquiry from major blender and packeteers and the domestic segments also operated with strength.

The dust market for Kolkata and Guwahati was also strong, particularly for clean secondaries which appreciated substantially. Orthodox varieties opened to a sluggish start but improved with the progress of the sale. The levels were generally steady, with CIS and West Asia buyers continuing to be the mainstay. The inquiries for Darjeeling teas were good at firm rates with selected brighter teas meeting following quality. The blenders were active with good inquiry from local markets. The export inquiry, primarily for fannings, continued to be selective.

Crop

Leaf intakes declined in most upcountry areas, particularly after the post-Puja flush.

International

In Colombo, the demand improved and all sorts appreciated in value. The Mombasa auction witnessed improved demand at irregular rates. The September crop in Kenya was similar to that in the same month last year at 29 million kg.