Tea auctions see lowest offerings in 17 months

The auction offerings declined and totalled 4.8 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), the lowest on offer since Sale No. 16 of April 22 and 24, 2024 (4.7 M/Kgs). 

The Ex-Estate offerings were maintained around 0.6 M/Kgs. The limited availability of High and Mid Grown liquoring BOP/BOPFs continued to sell well, whilst the Low Growns/Large Leaf teas met with mixed demand.

In the Ex-Estate catalogue, the overall quality of teas was reasonably maintained and against the backdrop of limited availability, there was good demand.  

In the Best Western category, the BOPs – Select invoices, where the quality was maintained, were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others were irregular and easier by a similar margin. 

The corresponding BOPFs – Select high-priced teas, were often irregular and easier, whilst the others, where the quality was maintained, were firm, with a few select invoices appreciating, following special inquiry. 

In the Below Best category, the select improved BOPs appreciated by Rs.50 per kilogramme and more, whilst the others were irregular, following quality. The corresponding BOPFs – improved teas, appreciated by Rs.50 per kilogramme and more, whilst the others were firm and dearer to a lesser extent. 

At the lower end, the BOP/BOPFs were mostly firm with select BOPF invoices appreciating by up to Rs.20 per kilogramme. The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs mostly sold around last. 

The Uda Pussellawa BOPs were irregular. The corresponding BOPFs – Clean leaf types, were firm, whilst the others were irregular.