India coffee prices up on domestic buying

MUMBAI, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Prices at the Indian Coffee Trade Association's Thursday auction moved up on demand from domestic buyers for the new crops, despite a fall in overseas markets, traders said on Friday.

"Internal buyers were active in the market and there was some demand for arabica plantation grades," said a Bangalore-based trader, who did not wish to be identified.

Fresh arabica crops have started arriving from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, he said.

In India, normally arabica harvesting starts in December, while robusta arrivals begin in February.

But, this year coffee harvesting started nearly a month ahead of schedule in November as early blossom showers helped the plants for early ripening of the berries, traders said. Small quantity of robusta parchment PB grade, the primary variety, were sold at last week's price levels and bought by small firms, said another trader.

There was no enquiry for robusta parchment AB and C grades, the secondary coffee varieties, on offer, he said.

India produces only 4 percent of the world's coffee but exports 70-80 percent of it.

Total quantity on offer at the auction was 298 tonnes of which 66 tonnes were sold, an auctioneer said.

Following were the prices quoted for 50 kg bags in rupees.