Oct. 31, 2009 (The Hindu Business Line) --

Good support was received from Tata Tea, while Hindustan Unilever (NYSE:UL) was less active. Other packeteers generated fair amount of enquiries.

Western India buyers operated actively for the liquoring sorts. There was good exporter interest on larger brokens and well-made fannings.

Orthodox teas met with strong demand at firm to dearer rates. CIS and West Asia constituted the mainstay of the market. There was good support from Hindustan Unilever on leaf brokens and fannings. Local dealers operated.

Darjeeling whole leaf grades were dearer following competition. Brokens and fannings also saw useful enquiries and sold at firm to dearer rates. Hindustan Unilever, Tata Tea, traditional exporters and local dealers were active.
CROP

Good leaf intake reported from most growing areas of North India.
INTERNATIONAL

The Mombasa market saw good demand at generally firm to dearer levels for all sorts. Afghanistan, Yemen and other West Asian countries maintained interest. UK and Pakistan packers were quite active, while Sudan, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Bazaar fairly active. Russia was subdued. Somalia showed some interest at the lower end of the market.

The Colombo auctions saw a dip in demand from the CIS and the market was generally easier, except selected better liquoring sorts that maintained last levels. Other traditional exporters operated.