Good demand at Colombo tea auction

Colombo tea auction volumes were more or less similar to last week and totalled 5.3 million kg with good general demand, brokers said this week.

Ex-Estate offerings remained limited to 0.7 million kg. Overall quality of Westerns were marginally lower, while Nuwara Eliya together with the Uva/Uda Pussellawa offerings and Low Growns were maintained, the Forbes and Walkers Market report stated.

Best Western BOP/BOPF’s were firm and up to Rs. 50 per kg easier, while the others were firm to marginally easier. Nuwara Eliyas were dearer. Uda Pussellawa BOP’s Better teas were firm, whilst the others were Rs.50-100 per kg dearer on last week’s levels. Corresponding BOPF’s Better teas declined up to Rs.50 per kg, while the others were around last week’s levels. Uva BOP’S were mostly firm, while the corresponding BOPF’s were firm and up to Rs.50 per kg lower.

Low Growns comprised 2.1 million kg. There was improved activity though mostly at firm to easier rates. However, a few premium categories appreciated selectively following special inquiry.

(SD)