Colombo Tea Auction sees offering of 4.98 MnKgs this week

The offerings at the Colombo Tea Auction totalled 4.98 million kilogrammes, which was net with fair demand. 
The Ex-Estate offerings totalled 0.74 million kilogrammes. The quality of teas from the Western slopes had a small selection of teas, showing an element of improvement, whilst the others showed no change. 
The Better Western BOP/BOPFs – A selection of invoices, appreciated by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme and more following special inquiry, whilst the others were irregular and at times easier by a similar margin. In the Below Best category, a few select coloury BOPs appreciated by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the others were firm and easier by a similar margin. The corresponding BOPFs followed a similar trend with a few select invoices appreciating by Rs.20-30 per kilogramme and the others barely selling around last week’s levels. At the lower end, the BOPs appreciated by Rs.50-80 per kilogramme, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm and up to Rs.20 per kilogramme dearer for select invoices. The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs – A few select invoices, sold around last week’s levels, whilst the others remained unsold. 
The Uda Pussellawa BOPs were Rs.20-40 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were generally firm. The Uva BOPs – A few select invoices, were substantially dearer, whilst the others were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer. The poor leaf teas were lower by a similar margin. The corresponding BOPFs were barely steady.    

The High and Medium Grown CTC – BP1s, had hardly any offerings. The PF1s – Select Best, were firm, whilst the others were irregular. The corresponding Low Grown varieties – BP1s, continued to sell around last week’s levels. The PF1s – A few Select Best invoices, were firm, whilst the others declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme and more for the poorer sorts. 
There was selective purchasing by the shippers to the UK and South Africa. The shippers to Japan and China continued to be active, perhaps less intensely, whilst the shippers to the CIS continued to operate on a wider cross-section of the teas.   
The Low Growns comprised of 2.0 million kilogrammes. All categories met with fair demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the Select Best and Best BOP1s were firm, whilst the Below Best together with the bolder varieties appreciated. The balance was firm. The high-priced OP1s were firm, whilst the Best varieties appreciated. The Below Best and poorer sorts too followed a similar trend. The OPs/OPAs, in general, appreciated. The Select Best and Best PEKs were easier, whilst the Below Best and clean leaf teas at the bottom sold around last levels. The high-priced PEK1s maintained, whilst the balance together with the teas, where quality was not maintained, declined. Smaller varieties too followed a similar trend. 
The Select Best FBOPs were firm to selective dearer, whilst the Best and Below Best together with the cleaner teas at the bottom appreciated. The balance sold around last levels.  
In the Premium catalogue, the Very Tippy teas were firm to dearer, whilst the Best and Below Best appreciated. The balance was irregular, following quality. The well-made FF1s were firm, whilst the Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom appreciated. The balance was firm.