Colombo Tea Auction sees 5.3 MnKgs under hammer this week

The Colombo Tea Auction this week saw the total offerings at levels fairly similar to last week. The 5.3 MnKgs that came under the hammer were met with good demand.  

The Ex-Estate offerings were marginally higher to last and totalled 0.63 MnKgs, which were met with excellent demand once again. 

Western BOPs in the Best and Below Best categories were firm and Rs.100-200 per kg dearer selectively following special inquiry. The corresponding BOPFs – Select high priced teas of last week were irregular, whilst the others gained up to Rs.100 per kg. BOPFs in the Below Best category appreciated Rs.100-150 per kg. 

At the lower end, BOPs declined Rs.100-150 per kg. The corresponding BOPFs, particularly the clean leaf types, appreciated Rs.150-200 per kg, whilst the others were dearer to a lesser extent. Nuwara Eliyas together with Uda Pussellawas were generally firm. The Uva – Seasonal teas were irregular and the prices tend to fluctuate following quality, whilst the other non-seasonal BOPs were Rs.100-150 per kg lower. The corresponding BOPFs gained Rs.50-100 per kg, particularly for the neat leaf coloury varieties. High and Medium Grown CTCs – BP1s were irregular following limited inquiry. PF1s appreciated by Rs.100-200 per kg for the better sorts, whilst the other thinner liquoring types were irregular and barely steady. The corresponding Low Grown varieties – BP1s were mostly firm, whilst the PF1s were firm to marginally easier.  

Improved activity for the liquoring teas from Japan and the continent, whilst the shippers to the CIS bid on a wide cross-section of the teas. 

Low Growns comprised of 2.3 M/Kgs in the Leafy/Semi Leafy and Tippy catalogues. There was fair demand. The well-made teas were firm, whilst Below Best and the teas at the bottom end were easier following quality.