Colombo Tea auction sees increase in quantities

There were 5.02 million kg of tea on offer at this week’s Colombo Tea Auction with 2.10 million kg being Low Grown Main Grades and 1.71 million kg were High and Mid Grown Main Grades.
 

In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues select best BOP1/OP1s gained following special inquiry, whilst a range of improved below best varieties gained following quality; others and mixed varieties were barely steady and mostly easier, brokers said.

Well-made OP/OPAs in general maintained, whilst best and below best varieties were fully firm following quality; poorer sorts gained. Select best Pekoe/Pekoe1's declined, whilst others and below best varieties declined substantially and remained unsold due to lack of suitable bids. Teas at the lower end maintained.

In the Small Leaf catalogues select best FBOP/FBOPF1s were generally firm, whilst improved below best varieties were fully firm and selectively dearer following quality. Teas at the lower end maintained. In the Premium catalogues very tippy teas were fully firm to dearer; others maintained.
 

The market for Ex-Estate was irregular at this week's auction particularly for the below best which often remained unsold due to low bids received. (SD)