Sales at the Coonoor tea auctions improved on better activity from upcountry buyers , with over 80 per cent sales both in leaf and dust grades.

Traders said North Indian buyers are scouting for tea from the South due to crop shortage to meet their export commitments. The situation is likely to continue further until the fresh crop arrives in North Indian markets.

The offered quantity in leaf category was 12,30,532 kg, with a sale of 89 per cent, while in dust, the offerings was 2,92,744 kg, witnessing 80 per cent sales, Global Tea Auctioneer said.

Whole leaf grades dearer

The high-priced and better liquoring sorts in sale 10 were dearer by ₹2-3 a kg and more at times in line with quality. The better medium sorts were lower by ₹2-3. The mediums and plainer sorts bolder grades were barely steady around last levels.

The primary whole leaf grades in leaf orthodox had fair demand and sold dearer by ₹4-5 per kg. The brokens were lower at ₹2-3. The secondaries and fannings were also lower by ₹2-3.

The high-priced teas in CTC dust were dearer by ₹5-6 and more at times in line with quality. The better medium sorts were barely steady easier by ₹1-2 with fair withdrawals.

The primary orthodox dust grades were lower by ₹5-6. The secondaries and finer dusts were easier by ₹3-4.