Fair demand at Colombo Tea auction

The Colombo Tea Auction this week had 4.64 million kg of tea on offer with 3.92 million kg of Low Grown Main Grades and 1.6 million kg of High and mid Grown Main Grades.

Fair but selective demand for Westerns were seen at this week’s auction. Better Western BOPs were barely steady on quality, whilst below best and others were lower upto Rs.50. High priced Western BOPFs lost Rs.50 to Rs.100 on quality; others were Rs.50 and more lower as the sale progressed. Hardly any Nuwara Eliya BOPs were on offer. BOPFs were firm. Well-made Udapussellawa BOPs were slightly dearer and their BOPFs gained Rs.50 and more; others about firm. Clean Uva BOP/BOPFs were firm to dearer particularly for the BOPFs. Best Medium BOPs were firm; others were irregularly lower. BOPFs maintained. CTC BP1s were firm. PF1s were lower Rs.30 to Rs.50 and more on quality.

The Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues select best OP1/BOP1s declined substantially, whilst Best/Below best varieties too were generally easier. Teas at the lower end gained substantially. Well-made OP/OPAs in general were fully firm, whilst below best and poorer sorts gained. A range of improved below best varieties maintained following quality. Teas at the lower end maintained.  (SD)