The Hindu Business Line : Coonoor tea volume continues to be low

Of the 8.19 lakh kg, 5.98 lakh kg belong to the leaf grades and the balance 2.21 lakh kg belong to the dust grades. As much as 7.61 lakh kg belong to the CTC variety and only the balance 0.58 lakh kg belong to the orthodox variety.

HIGHER THAN LAST WEEK

This volume is marginally higher than last week's offer of 8.16 lakh kg. So, auctioneers said the market depends on the support of exporters like last week if the upcountry buyers traded reasons for their subdued purchases.

But, even among the exporters, it was Russia that offered support last week as Iraq chose to wait and watch while Pakistan was low in activity. Upcountry buyers reportedly bought the quality offers of the fresh season teas from the North-East.

Currently, teas are not generally available in Coonoor auctions for lower than Rs 38 a kg. But, the higher prices of the chosen volumes have also been limited.

HIGHEST PRICE

Last week, among the CTC teas from bought-leaf factories, Darmona Estate got the highest price of Rs 78 followed by Vigneshwara Estate Rs at 75, Homedale Estate at Rs 72, Shanthi Supreme at Rs 71.77, Singara Rs 71.20, Waterfall Amrit Rs 71.07, Garswood Estate clonal special Rs 70.99, Highfield Estate and Green View Rs 70.

Among the orthodox teas from the corporate sector, Curzon got the highest price of Rs 133.65 a kilo, followed by Kodanaad at Rs 130.07, Colacumby at Rs 123.49, Prammas at Rs 117.35, Corsely at Rs 110, Havukkal at Rs 103, Chamraj at Rs 102, Mailoor and Craigmore at Rs 100.

"Low volume and fair demand can keep the market steady as in the last fortnight," an auctioneer said.