New Delhi, 22 July (NNS): Here, the prices of black pepper markara held firm at Rs 710 per kg owing to the weak offtake at the higher prices. Recently, the prices have improved by Rs 05 per kg. Both the arrivals and the prices held stable at the same level of the previous day in Kochi. The market sentiments may affect due to the sluggish demand from the speculators. The spot black pepper prices will likely to remain high during the near future.