New Delhi, 25 June (NNS): The prices of black pepper markara held firm at Rs 735 per kg due to the sluggish offtake at the higher level. Recently, the prices have gone up by Rs 40/50 per kg. Presently, both the prices and the arrivals remained stable at the same level of the previous day in Kochi. The market sentiments may affect because of the higher prices in Vietnam. The spot black pepper prices will likely to remain strong during the coming days.