Ceylon tea volumes decline at Colombo auction

In the background of the limited availability and the continued decline in volumes, there was improved, widespread demand at this week’s Colombo tea auction, the Forbes & Walker tea report stated.

Ex-Estate offerings declined to 0.6 million kg from a 0.8 million kg the previous week. There was strong demand for teas in the Below Best and Plainer categories.

In the Ex-Estate catalogues, Best Western BOP’s were mostly firm with only a few select invoices gaining Rs.50-100 per kg following special inquiry.

In the Below Best category, coloury BOP’s gained Rs.100-200 per kg, whilst the corresponding BOPF’s gained Rs.80-100 per kg and more for select invoices.

The limited availability of Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF’s continued to sell well at very attractive levels. Uva/Uda Pussellawa BOP’s – select high priced teas of last week were Rs.20-40 per kg lower, whilst the others sold around last week’s levels.

High and Medium Grown CTC – BP1s were irregular. PF1s – High Growns were Rs.20-40 per kg dearer, whilst the Medium Growns – select coloury sorts were Rs.50-100 per kg dearer. Others were firm and dearer to a lesser extent. Low Grown CTC – BP1’s gained up to Rs.100 per kg, whilst the PF1S gained Rs.100-200 per kg.

Low Growns comprised 2.2 million kg in the Leafy/Semi Leafy and Tippy catalogues. There was improved demand and the market continued to appreciate further. Well-made teas together with cleaner secondary types appreciated, whilst the balance were easier following good quality. Shippers to Iran, Russia and Turkey continued to operate aggressively.

Off-Grades and Dust varieties too were dearer by Rs.30-50 per kg and more. (Sunimalee)