Colombo Tea Auction sees highest offerings since May 2023

The Colombo Tea Auction offerings totalled 7.0 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs) this week, a significantly higher volume from 5.1 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. 

This is the highest volume on offer since Sale No. 20 of May 23 and 24, 2023. There was fair demand, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.

The Ex-Estate offerings too recorded an increase over last and totalled 1.14 M/Kgs. There was less demand with the overall quality showing a further decline.  

The Best Western BOP/BOPFs – A selection of better teas, were firm to dearer by Rs.20 per kilogramme, whilst the others declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme. The BOP/BOPFs in the Below Best category too were easier by Rs.40-60 per kilogramme, whilst the teas at the lower end declined further. 

The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs were mostly unsold, due to a lack of suitable bids. The Uva/Uda Pussellawa BOP/BOPFs – A few Select Best invoices, sold well, following special inquiry, whilst the others and teas at the bottom declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme and more.   

The High Grown CTC teas – BP1s, had hardly any offerings. The Better PF1s declined by approximately Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the others sold around last levels. The Medium Grown BP1s – Better teas, continued to sell well, whilst the others were mostly lower. The PF1s were mostly unsold and where sold, were Rs.20-40 per kilogramme lower. The corresponding Low Grown varieties – BP1s, gained by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the PF1s declined by a similar margin.  

The Low Growns comprised of 2.9 M/Kgs.  All categories met with fair demand.

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the well-made BOP1s were firm to dearer, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties were easier.  The OP1s, in general, were firm, whilst the OPs were easier. The Select Best OPAs recorded a noticeable decline, whilst the Best and Below Best varieties too were easier to a lesser extent. The teas at the lower end maintained at last levels. The Select Best PEKs appreciated, whilst the balance was lower. However, the teas at the bottom sold around last levels. The PEK1s, in general, were firm to dearer.

In the Tippy catalogue, the FBOPs were maintained at last levels, whilst the bolder varieties were irregular, following quality. The FBOPF1s, in general, were firm.

In the Premium catalogue, the Very Tippy teas met with good demand and were firm, whilst the Best together with the Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom sold at last levels. The balance was irregular, following quality.