Orthodox leaf tea prices climb at Kochi auctions on stronger export demand

According to traders, high prices in North India have forced buyers to scout for tea from the South Indian auctions, which is reflecting in Kochi centre as well. However, they warned that future tea production is likely to impact due to the chilling weather conditions in growing regions and early setting in of winter. This would have an impact on prices.

CTC leaf witnessed 99 per cent sales with good CTC brokens was dearer out of the offered quantity of 35,500 kg.

Middle-East support

Anil George, chairman of Tea Trade Association of Cochin, said that the orthodox segment recorded good demand with active support from Middle East and CIS buyers. Select best blacker, well-made whole-leaf and broken grades were fully firm to occasionally dearer.

CTC dust market was strong, witnessing a 97 per cent sales out of the offered quantity of 6,60,233 kg. The market for high-priced and popular marks of Kerala was barely steady to dearer, while good liquoring teas were steady to firm. All blenders together absorbed 65 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold. The average price realisation was up by ₹2 at ₹162 compared to ₹160 in the previous week.

The demand was less for orthodox dust with 35 per cent sales out of the offered quantity of 18,500 kg. Primary grades were steady to dearer. Upcountry buyers and exporters absorbed a small quantity sold.