Active support from blenders and upcountry buyers lifted tea prices at Coonoor auctions last week.
Traders said the anticipated production drop in North India prompted buyers to scout for tea in the South, as evidenced by the higher sales percentage in auction sale 46. South Indian teas, especially the brew from Nilgiris with MRL complainant, also attracted more upcountry buyers, including blenders and packers, with higher average realisation prices, traders said.
Global Tea Auctioneer said that leaf grades accounted for 94 per cent of the offered quantity of 14,64,576 kg, while dust varieties accounted for 4,12,364 kg with a sales percentage of 93 per cent.
Whole leaf grades lower
The high-priced teas and better liquoring sorts in CTC leaf were dearer by ₹2 to 3 and more in line with quality. The better medium sorts were lower by ₹1 to 2; occasionally, some quality lots sold dearer by ₹1 to 2. The mediums and plainer sorts had good demand and sold dearer by ₹2 to 3. Generally, strong demand was observed across the CTC leaf market.
The primary whole leaf grades were lower by ₹3 to 4; occasionally, some quality lots sold dearer by ₹2 to 3.
The high-priced teas and better liquoring sorts in CTC dust were lower by ₹2 to ₹3. The medium and plainer sorts PD were fully firm to dearer ₹1 to 2.
The primary orthodox dust grades were fully firm to dearer by ₹6 to 8 and more at times in line with quality. The secondaries and finer dusts were fully firm to dearer by ₹2 to 3.