Record tea crop in November

Tuesday, 27 December 2011 01:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Tea Board released tea production figures for the month of November 2011, Commodity broker Asia Siyaka Commodities reported. November figure of 31.2 million kg is 12% more than last years quantity of 27.9 million kg and was well above the previous record of 29.6 million kg set in 2006.

The October figure released by the SLTB was 23.6 million kg reflecting an unprecedented gain of 32% in November. It’s likely therefore that the month’s numbers have been adjusted to include previous late returns, Company CEO Anil Cooke said.

“All three elevations achieved gains YoY 2010. High Growns were up 11% form 7.3 million kg to 8.1 in November this year. Mediums at 5.5 million kg were up 15% on last years quantity of 4.8 million kg. Low growns increased 11% from 15.7 to 17.4 this year.”

The November increase has managed to almost bridged the cumulative shortfall for the year. The SLTB adjusted cumulative total for the period January to November is 302 million kg against 304 million kg last year. The final production figure for 2010 was a record 331. Million kg ; with a December Crop figure of 27 million kg. If Sri Lanka achieves a 2011 December equal to November there is an out side chance of passing last year’s record.