Kochi tea auction witnesses mixed trend

A mixed trend obtained at the Kochi tea auction that had 9.44 lakh kg of dust on offer. Best CTC varieties continued firm while price of medium varieties eased by Rs 1-2. Orthodox high grown dusts were dearer, while medium orthodox remained steady. Best CTC varieties quoted at Rs 65-75, medium CTC Rs 56-62 and below medium Rs 46-50. High grown BOPD dust was quoted at Rs 90-118, while medium BOPD was at Rs 47-48. High grown orthodox varieties were down by Rs 2-4 while medium orthodox eased by Rs 1-2. Bolder CTC varieties remained steady while smaller CTC picked up Rs 1-2. Exporters were selective on orthodox leaf grades while interstate buyers and exporters evinced interest in medium CTC leaf grades. Bolder CTC dust grades also witnessed enquiry from exporters. Best Nilgiri varieties fetched Rs 73 - 82, medium orthodox Rs 53 - 77 and plain orthodox Rs 43 - 50. Best CTC leaf ranged at Rs 53 - 60, while medium CTC leaf was at Rs 47 - 50.