Dooars sell readily at N. India tea auctions

KOLKATA, FEB. 3: This week at Sale No. 5, the total offerings ( packages) at three North Indian tea auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 4,03,954 as compared to 3,36,937 in the corresponding sale of the previous year, according to J Thomas & Company Private Ltd, the tea auctioneers. The offerings at Kolkata were 1, 73,360 (1, 61, 401) comprising CTC/Dust 1, 49,751 (1, 46,591), Orthodox 21,684 (12,397) and Darjeeling 1,925 (2,413). The corresponding figures for Guawahati 1, 26,516 (82,498) and for Siliguri 1, 04,078 (93,038). Assam CTC teas maintaining quality sold at around last levels while remaining Assams were irregularly lower, particularly browner sorts. Well-made Dooars sold readily around last levels while the remainder tended irregularly easier. There was good support from Tata Global and Hindustan Unilever. Western India dealers were active for the liquoring sorts. There was fair enquiry from North India and local sections. Exporters operated primarily on the bolder brokens. Few selected cleaner and well-made Orthodox varieties were readily absorbed and sold following quality. The remainder eased in value. Stalkier varieties and plainer sorts met with fewer enquiries and saw some withdrawals. North India buyers operated on the bolder whole leaf. Hindustan Unilever operated selectively for the fannings. There was some export interest. Few Darjeeling whole leaf grades sold in line with quality. Brokens tended irregular while fannings witnessed better enquiry from exporters. Hindustan Unilever was very selective. Brokens and fannings were supported mainly by the local dealers.

Source: Times of India