Tea auction records select gains but quality remains flat

The overall auction offerings were barely maintained and totalled 5.18 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs).

There was good general demand although at irregular rates.  

The Ex-Estate offerings continued to be limited to 0.65 M/Kgs. The overall quality of teas showed no significant change.  

The Best Western BOP/BOPFs – A few select invoices, appreciated by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme, whilst the others were irregular and often easier, following quality. 

In the Below Best category, the clean leaf coloury BOPs were firm and Rs.20 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others were lower by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme. 

The corresponding BOPFs – teas in the higher price bracket, declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the others sold around last week’s levels. The plainer BOP/BOPFs were barely steady. The Nuwara Eliyas continued to be a weak feature, with a majority of the tea remaining unsold. 

The Uda Pussellawa BOP/BOPFs, selling at the lower end of the market and against the backdrop of the limited availability, appreciated by Rs.20 per kilogramme and more. The Uva BOPs sold around last levels, whilst the corresponding BOPFs declined by an average Rs.20 per kilogramme.   

The High and Medium Grown CTC teas – BP1s, had hardly any offerings. The PF1s – A few select invoices, where quality was maintained, sold around last, whilst the others were easier. However, the teas at the lower end of the market witnessed better demand and consequently, fewer unsold this week. The corresponding Low Grown types – BP1s, had hardly any offerings. The PF1s continued to sell well with a few select invoices appreciating by Rs.20 per kilogramme.  

The Low Growns totalled approximately 2.3 M/Kgs, with fair demand witnessed in the Leafy, Semi-Leafy, Tippy and Premium categories. 

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the BOP1s in general were firm. The well-made OP1s maintained, whist the balance was irregular. A selection of Select Best OPs appreciated, whilst the balance sold at last levels. The Select Best OPAs were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the balance maintained. The well-made PEK/PEK1s appreciated, whilst the mixed/open varieties were irregular. The teas at the bottom sold at last levels.

In the Tippy catalogue, the select Best and Best FBOPs were easier, whilst the Below Best together with the teas at the bottom were firm. The Select Best and Best FF1s were easier, whilst the Below Best together with the teas at the bottom sold at last levels.

In the Premium catalogue, a selection of Very Tippy Teas sold around last levels, whilst the balance in general was easier.