Date:07/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/08/07/stories/2006080701430500.htm

Back `Selective' buying in Coonoor tea sale

P.S. Sundar

Coonoor , Aug 6

Prices followed an irregular trend at the auctions of the Coonoor Tea Trade Association (CTTA) here last week as buyers turned selective. While some teas gained around Rs 3 a kg, others lost a similar extent. The volume of 10.24 lakh kg offered was the lowest of the last 13 weeks. But, demand was not equally spread on the varieties. Nearly 15,000 kg were sold for over Rs 60 a kg.

Among the corporate buyers, Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) bought better medium grades. JV Gokal and JFK were active on orthodox leaf grades. Madhu Jayanthi was selective on BOPF grades.

On the export front, Pakistan absorbed the well made fanning grades for Rs 49 to 52 a kg. Kenya reduced its intake in the wake of excessive stocks lying with its retailers. For the teas the shippers bought, they paid Rs 46 -48. Poland bought CTC leaf grades for Rs 44. CIS also supported some lots.

Among the CTC teas from bought-leaf factories, Dhavala got the highest price of Rs 78.81 a kg, followed by Darmona Estate at Rs 77.55, Highfield Estate Special got Rs 76.12, Homedale estate Rs 72.33, Vigneshwar Estate Rs 72.16, Hittakkal Estate Rs 72.07, Green View Rs 71.49 and Kannavarai Rs 70.54.

Among the orthodox teas from corporate sector, Tiger Hill got the highest price of Rs 117.25 a kg, followed by Kairabetta Rs 112, Curzon Rs 107.65, Corsely, Havukkal and Mailoor - all Rs 107, Kodanaad Rs 104.51 and Glendale Rs 102.