Fair demand at Colombo Tea Auction

There was fair general demand at the Colombo Tea Auction with 5.79 million kg of tea on offer of which 2.32 million kg were Low Grown Main Grades and 2.02 million kg were High and Mid Grown Main Grades.

In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues Select best BOP1/OP1s maintained, whilst best varieties together with below best varieties were fully firm following quality; others were barely steady and mostly lower. Well-made OP/OPAs were fully firm to easier together with improved below best varieties gained. Teas at the lower end maintained.

Pekoe/Pekoe 1s were firm. In the Small leaf catalogues select best FBOP/FBOPF1s were easier, whilst best varieties maintained.  Teas at the lower end easier. In the Premium Flowery catalogues a few select best varieties maintained, whilst others declined.

Few select best Western BOPs were firm on last, whilst better varieties too were firm where quality was maintained; others declined in value.

Best Western BOPFs lower following quality, below best too declined Rs.20 to Rs. 40 and more towards the close. Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs mostly remained unsold. Better Udapussellawa BOPs declined in value, others were about firm. Better Udapussellawa BOPFs were firm, others appreciated Rs.20. Better Uva BOP/BOPFs were firm on last. Well-made Medium BOPs were slightly dearer, others were firm on last. Better BOPFs were firm; others declined Rs.20 to Rs.40. CTC BP1s gained Rs.20 to Rs.40 and more (SD)