Colombo Tea Auction sees offerings further contract this week

The Colombo Tea Auction saw the offerings decline to 5.1 MnKgs this week, from 5.4 MnKgs the previous week, which met with strong demand in the backdrop of extremely low volumes on offer.

The Ex-Estate offerings totalled 0.54 MnKgs, marginally lower to last. The quality of the offerings was generally maintained with a few select seasonal teas from Uva showing up.

Best Western BOP/BOPFs continued to sell well around last week’s levels, subject to some price fluctuations, which were reflective of quality. In the Below Best and Plainer categories, the neat leaf BOPs were up to Rs.50 per kg dearer, whilst the others were barely steady. The corresponding BOPFs were firm and selectively dearer by up to Rs.30 per kg. Nuwara Eliyas were irregular and easier. 

Uda Pussellawa – BOPs were firm, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were irregular following quality. Uva – few seasonal invoices sold at dearer rates. Other Uva BOPs Rs.20-40 per kg easier, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were mostly firm.

The High and Medium Grown CTC teas gained Rs.20-40 per kg, with select BP1 invoices gaining substantially. The Low Grown varieties – BP1/PF1s were mostly firm with secondary types gathering momentum in the backdrop of their limited availability.

Low Growns comprised of 2.3 M/Kgs in the Leafy/Semi Leafy and Tippy catalogues. There was lower demand. The well-made teas were easier. However, the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the others maintained last week’s levels.

In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, BOP1s in general were fully firm. Select Best OP1s declined. The teas at the lower end maintained. The well-made OP/OPAs commenced firm. However, they declined towards the close of the sale. The teas at the lower end maintained. The well-made PEK/PEK1s together with the improved Below Best varieties in general were fully firm, whilst poorer sorts were barely steady.

In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOPs declined. However, the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm to selectively dearer. The balance sold around last levels. The well-made FF1s maintained, whilst the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm to selectively dearer. The balance sold around last levels.

In the Premium catalogues, the Select Best and Best varieties declined. However, the Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm to dearer. The balance irregular following quality.