Fair demand at Colombo Tea Auction this week

The Colombo Tea Auction offerings declined to 5.6 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs); however, the offering was met with fair demand. 

The Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.9 M/Kgs. The overall quality of the Westerns showed a further improvement and a wider selection of improved teas as well. 

In the Best Western category, the improved BOPs appreciated by Rs.50 per kilogramme with a few select invoices appreciating up to Rs.100 per kilogramme, whilst the others continued to be irregular, following quality. The corresponding BOPFs appreciated by Rs.100 per kilogramme and more for select invoices, following quality/special inquiry, whilst the others continued to be irregular, following quality. In the Below Best category, the improved BOP/BOPFs appreciated by Rs.50 per kilogramme and more for select invoices. The prices at the lower end of the market were firm to marginally dearer for the clean leaf teas, whilst the poor leaf types were neglected. 

The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs sold well at firm to dearer rates with the latter, in particular, recording price gains of Rs.50-100 per kilogramme. The Uva/Uda Pussellawa BOPs were generally firm. The corresponding BOPFs – Uda Pussellawas, were barely steady. The Uvas – Clean leaf types, were marginally dearer, whilst the poorer sorts were irregular and easier. Consequently, the clean leaf teas realised a premium of Rs.100-150 per kilogramme vis-à-vis their poorer counterparts.