Good demand at Colombo Tea Auction this week

The Colombo Tea Auction saw 5.2 MnKg come under the hammer this week, which was met with good demand, particularly for the teas at the lower end of the market (the tea for price category).  

The Ex-Estate offerings were fairly similar to last week and totalled 0.74 MnKgs. The overall quality was lower to last, particularly the teas from the Western planting districts.   

The Best Western BOP/BOPFs, which were limited in offer, were firm to marginally dearer on last following special inquiry, whilst the others declined by an average Rs.50 per kg. In the Below Best and Plainer categories, the BOPs declined Rs.50-100 per kg, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were mostly firm. 

The Nuwara Eliya BOPs were irregular and marginally easier following quality, whilst there were hardly any BOPFs on offer. The Uda Pussellawa – Better BOPs were irregular, whilst the others were barely steady. The Uva BOPs – Better sorts declined Rs.100 per kg and more, whilst the others were lower to a lesser extent. 

The Uva/Uda Pussellawa corresponding BOPFs – Best available were firm and tended dearer, whilst the others sold around last week’s levels though irregular 
following quality. 

The High and Medium Grown CTC teas were mostly firm. The Low Gown types – BP1s, select invoices were substantially dearer, whilst the others together with the PF1s were firm and up to Rs.50 per kg dearer. 
The Low Growns comprised 2.1 MnKgs. The market met with fair demand.

In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, a few select Best OP1/BOP1s were firm to dearer, whilst the balance was firm. The well-made OP/OPAs were firm to selectively dearer following quality, whilst the Best and Below Best together with the poorer varieties eased. The well-made PEK/PEK1s were firm to selectively dearer. The Best and Below Best varieties too met with fair demand, whilst the poorer sorts were fully firm.

In the Tippy catalogues, a selection of select Best FBOPs were firm to selectively dearer on special inquiry, whilst the balance was firm. However, the teas at the bottom appreciated. The well-made FF1s were firm to marginally easier, 

whilst the balance sold around last levels, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.

In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas together with the Best declined, whilst the Below Best varieties sold around last levels. The teas at the bottom too were easier but the leafier varieties appreciated.