Colombo Tea Auction sees 6.1 MnKgs under hammer this week

A total offering of 6.1 MnKgs came under the hammer at the Colombo Tea Auction this week, where the quantities were met with good demand.

The Ex-Estate offerings were fairly similar to last week and totalled 0.87 MnKgs. The quality of offerings was barely maintained, with a limited availability of good quality teas.  

The Best Western BOPs – few select invoices were firm and dearer, following quality/special inquiry, whilst the others declined by Rs.50-100 per kg. the corresponding BOPFs followed a similar trend and declined by Rs.20-40 per kg. 

In the Below Best and Plainer categories, the BOPs were firm to marginally dearer, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm to dearer, with the teas at the lower end in particular strengthening by Rs.20-40 per kg towards the close of the sale. 

The Nuwara Eliya BOPs continued to sell well, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm. The Uva/Uda Pussellawa BOPs were firm to marginally dearer, whilst the corresponding BOPFs gained by Rs.20-40 per kg.  The High and Medium Grown CTCs – BP1s were firm and selectively dearer, whilst the PF1s gained Rs.20 per kg and more. The corresponding Low Grown types – BP1s were irregular, whilst the PF1s were firm and Rs.50-100 per kg dearer for a few select Best invoices and the teas at the lower end of the market.   

The Low Growns comprised of 2.5 MnKgs in the Leafy/Semi Leafy and Tippy catalogues. The well-made teas together with cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom appreciated, whilst the balance was firm on last. Shippers to Iraq, Turkey and Russia were active, whilst there was limited activity from Iran.

In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, the select Best BOP1/OP1s maintained, whilst the improved Below Best varieties gained. Others and poorer sorts too were fully firm. A range of well-made OP/OPAs were fully firm to selectively dearer, whilst the Below Best varieties maintained. The poorer sorts, which commenced firm, declined towards the close of the sale, due to increased availability. The PEK/PEK1s gained in general. 

In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOPs appreciated substantially, whilst the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were dearer to a lesser extent. The balance was firm on last. The select Best and Best FF1s together with the cleaner Below Best too appreciated, whilst the balance sold around last levels.

In the Premium catalogues, very Tippy teas met with improved demand and were substantially dearer, whilst the Below Best followed a similar trend. The balance too appreciated to a lesser extent.