Tea auction wraps first half with firmer demand

The final sale for the first half of 2025 that concluded this week (Sale No. 24) comprised of 6.5 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs). 

Contrary to the expectations, a greater degree of stability in demand/prices was witnessed amidst speculation of an Iran-Israel ceasefire.  

The Ex-Estate offerings declined marginally to 0.86 M/Kgs. 

Slightly better demand was there, which followed a select range of the better Westerns (BOP/BOPFs) appreciating by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme, whilst the others together with the teas at the lower end of the market were often irregular and here again, a select range of coloury teas appreciated by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme. 

The Nuwara Eliyas continued sluggish against the backdrop of somewhat plainer quality. The Uda Pussellawas, selling at the lower end of the market, appreciated by Rs.10-20 per kilogramme. The Uva – Clean leaf BOP/BOPFs, were firm and tended dearer.    

The High and Mid Grown CTC PF1s – Better teas, were barely steady, whilst the others were irregular, following quality. The BP1s were very limited in offerings. The corresponding Low Grown varieties declined by Rs.20 per kilogramme and more for the poorer sorts.    

The Low Growns totalled approximately 2.5 M/Kgs. There was fair demand for the Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories, whilst the Premium category witnessed improved demand, where the teas were sold at substantially dearer rates. 

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the Select Best and Best BOP1s held firm, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties declined. The Select Best and Best OP1s were firm to dearer, whilst the others tended easier. The well-made OPs together with the Below Best category were firm to dearer, whilst the balance sold around last week’s levels. However, the shorter varieties were irregular. 

The OPAs, in general, were firm. The Select Best and Best PEKs were firm, whilst the balance together with the mixed/open varieties eased. The teas at the bottom were firm. The high-priced PEK1s eased, whilst the Best and Below Best sorts appreciated. The balance sold around last levels. 

In the Tippy catalogue, a few Select Best FBOPs held firm, following special inquiry, whilst the others together with the Best and Below Best declined. The cleaner teas at the bottom sold around last levels, whilst the others were easier.  The FF1s were generally firm.

In the Premium catalogue, the Very Tippy teas together with the Best and Below Best attracted good demand and were substantially dearer, whilst the teas at the bottom were irregular.