Offering at Colombo Tea Auction same as last week

The offering at the Colombo Tea Auction this week was more or less similar to last, with quantities totalling 5.3 MnKgs. The offering was met with good general demand at firm to easier rates. 

The latest tea auction report by Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers stated that the Ex-Estate offerings remained limited to 0.76 MnKgs. The overall quality of the Westerns was marginally lower, whilst the Nuwara Eliyas together with the Uva/Uda Pussellawas and Low Growns were maintained. 

The Best Western BOP/BOPFs were firm and up to Rs.50 per kg easier, whilst the others were firm to marginally easier. The Nuwara Eliyas were dearer. The Uda Pussellawa BOPs – Better teas were firm, whilst the others were Rs.50-100 per kg dearer on last week’s levels. The corresponding BOPFs – Better teas declined up to Rs.50 per kg, whilst the others sold around last week’s levels. The Uva BOPs were mostly firm, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm and up to Rs.50 per kg lower. 

The High and Medium CTCs – BP1s had hardly any offerings, whilst the PF1s were firm and up to Rs.100 per kg easier, particularly for the High Grown types. The corresponding Low Grown varieties were mostly firm. 
The Low Growns comprised of 2.1 MnKgs. There was improved activity though mostly at firm to easier rates. However, a few premium categories appreciated selectively following special inquiry. 

In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, a range of select Best BOP1/OP1s were firm, whilst the others and Below Best varieties declined and remained unsold due to lack of suitable bids. The teas at the lower end maintained. A selection of well-made OP/OPAs were fully firm, whilst the prices were irregular for the others where quality was not maintained. The well-made PEK/PEK1s in general maintained, whilst the mixed varieties and poorer sorts were marginally easier.

In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOP/FF1s together with the Below Best were easier, whilst the teas at the bottom were firm to selectively dearer.

In the Premium catalogues, a selection of very Tippy teas together with the Best appreciated, whilst the balance sold around last levels. The teas at the bottom too gained in value.