Quantities decline further at Colombo Tea Auction this week

The Colombo Tea Auction saw the offerings decline further this week, with the quantities totalling 5.4 million kilogrammes. 
Improved demand was seen in the backdrop of declining auction quantities and perhaps a greater degree of stability in the currency rates, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.
The Ex-Estate offerings too were lower to last and totalled 0.74 million kilogrammes. Much improved demand was seen, particularly for the 
BOPF grade.  
Most BOPs from the Western slopes were generally firm with select invoices, particularly in the Best category, appreciating by Rs.100 per kilogramme and more. The BOPFs in most instances appreciated by Rs.100 per kilogramme, with select invoices appreciating further. 
The High and Mid Grown CTC PF1s gained Rs.50-70 per kilogramme and perhaps up to Rs.100 per kilogramme and more as the sale progressed. The corresponding Low Grown varieties continued to sell well around last week’s levels, with the prices ranging between Rs.1,600-1,700 per kilogramme for the better teas on offer.      
The Low Growns comprised of 2.3 million kilogrammes. The Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy teas met with good demand. 
In the Leafy catalogues, the Select Best OP1s were firm, whilst the balance appreciated. The high-priced BOP1s 
were easier, whilst the others sold around last levels. The OPs in general were firm to dearer, whilst the OPAs were fully firm. The well-made PEK/PEK1s appreciated, whilst the balance sold around last levels.  
In the Tippy catalogues, the Select Best and Best FBOPs were firm, whilst the balance appreciated. The Select Best FF1s were firm to easier, whilst the Best sold around last levels. However, the Below Best varieties and the teas at the bottom appreciated.    
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas, particularly the smaller varieties, declined. The teas in the Best and Below Best categories were easier, whilst the leafier varieties sold around last levels.