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Tea prices firm up on good demand

Our Bureau

KOCHI, June 23

A GOOD general demand has resulted in the spurting of prices of almost all varieties of tea at the Kochi tea auction. Of the total quantity of 1146,000 kg on offer, well-made good quality CTC grades were dearer by Rs. 2-4 and occasionally more, especiall y for powdery grades.

The grainier CTCs were dearer by Rs. 1-2 and other medium and bottom CTCs remained firm to dearer by Rs 1-2. Bolder CTCs at lower levels witnessed demand from exporters. Orthodox highgrowns and good quality medium were fully firm to dearer by Rs. 2-3, wh ile others were lower.

The best CTC varieties commanded prices between Rs. 48 and Rs. 70, medium types Rs. 38-43 and poorer type Rs. 30-35. Highgrown BOPD fetched prices between Rs 90 and Rs 100, while medium BOPD realised Rs. 33-35. Secondaries and residuals were quoted at Rs . 20-25 and Rs. 15-18 respectively.

The leaf sale at the auction also witnessed a good general demand and the quantity on offer was 508,000 kgs. Good quality orthodox brokens and fannings remained steady to firm, while others tended to ease. CTCs, especially good quality ones, also witnes sed a steady to firm market.

The best Nilgiri varieties commanded prices between Rs. 55 and Rs. 60. Medium orthodox and plain orthodox were quoted at Rs. 45-59 and Rs. 38-44 respectively. The best CTC leaf fetched Rs. 42-46 while medium leaf Rs. 35-40.

In the dust varieties, Nonsuch BOPD was in the top list quoting Rs. 100.50, followed by Mayura SFD with Rs. 92.40. In the leaf category, Welbeck OP came in the top position with Rs. 117 followed by Havukal OP with Rs.103.

Good demand at Calcutta

CALCUTTA: A slightly higher offering of 59,651 packages comprising all varieties of tea at the Calcutta auction this week met with good demand at dearer rates amidst limited export enquiry even as new season teas failed to evoke expected response.

Good quality Assams in CTC section showing seasonal improvement were irregularly dearer following competition and better mediums also remained firm to dearer. Plainer varieties and first flush reprints saw limited enquiry, with the plainest sorts being n eglected. Dooars offerings showed seasonal improvement and was well received whilst medium and plainer sorts elicited less enquiry.

Selected bright liquoring fannings saw limited export enquiry and the Commonwealth of Independent States operated selectively for bolder brokens. Darjeeling offerings met with good demand and export enquiry was more widespread, particularly for good qual ity teas with improved liquors which appreciated in value following quality. The local dealers absorbed plain and medium sorts at last levels.

All categories in the orthodox section showing seasonal improvement were irregularly dearer. Good quality whole leaf and brokens moved up substantially while others were firm to dearer except brokens of first flush manufacture, particularly smaller sorts , which were easier and sometimes unwanted.

West Asian and the continent buyers were active in this section while there was selective enquiry from the CIS. Hindustan Lever, Balmer Lawrie and Duncans provided good support for whole leaf varieties.

In the dust section, good quality Assam met with good demand and those showing seasonal improvement at irregularly dearer rates following quality. Remainder were lower with plain and non-quality sorts remaining largely unwanted.