India pepper firm on Vietnam output, weather woes

MUMBAI, July 22 (Reuters) - Indian pepper futures ended firm on Tuesday on reports of a fall in production in Vietnam, the largest exporter, and lower rainfall in major growing regions at home, analysts said.

"Weather has not improved in Kerala, which is boosting the sentiment," said Veeresh Hiremath, an analyst with Karvy Comtrade Ltd.

Kerala, the largest producer of pepper in India, has received 44 percent lower rainfall, compared to its long-term average, during June 1 to July 15 period, according to the weather department.

Reports of lower crop in Vietnam also supported the market, said an analyst with Motilal Oswal Commodities Broker Pvt Ltd.

Vietnam, the world's largest black pepper producer, has completed harvesting up to 87,000 tonnes of the spice, down from 90,300 tonnes last year, the Vietnam Pepper Association said last week.

Open interest for September contract rose to 8,139 tonnes from 7,186 tonnes the previous session.

Spot pepper rose 0.4 percent to 14,750 rupees per 100 kg in spices hub of Kochi in Kerala.

Following are the closing prices of pepper futures in rupees per 100 kg on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd. <0#NPE:>:

Contract Reuters code Closing price Change in %