Sales at the Coonoor tea auctions saw an uptick due to increased activity from upcountry buyers, resulting in over 80 per cent sales in both leaf and dust grades.
According to traders, North Indian buyers are turning to South Indian tea due to a crop shortage that is affecting their ability to meet export commitments. This trend is expected to continue until the fresh crop arrives in North Indian markets.
In the leaf category, 12,30,532 kg was offered for sale, with 89 per cent being sold. In the dust category, 2,92,744 kg was offered, with 80 per cent of it being sold, as reported by Global Tea Auctioneer.
In terms of prices, the higher-quality whole leaf grades in sale 10 were priced higher by ₹2-3 per kg, while the better medium sorts saw a decrease of ₹2-3. Medium and plainer grades remained steady.
Primary whole leaf grades in the leaf orthodox category saw an increase in demand and were sold at higher prices of ₹4-5 per kg. Brokens were priced lower by ₹2-3, while secondaries and fannings also saw a decrease of ₹2-3.
In the CTC dust category, high-priced teas were priced higher by ₹5-6 per kg, with better medium sorts remaining steady or experiencing a slight decrease of ₹1-2. Primary orthodox dust grades were priced lower by ₹5-6, while secondaries and finer dusts saw a decrease of ₹3-4.
