Good demand at Tea Auctions

A total of 8.2 m/kgs came under the hammer this week. There was good demand with most varieties recording a firm to dearer trend.

Ex-Estate offerings were lower to last totaling 1.2 m/kgs, Overall quality on offer showed no significant change. Here-again, there was better demand and prices were firm to dearer in most instances.

BOPs in particular witnessed more wide spread demand and consequently, gained Rs.10-30 per kg. BOPFs were selectively dearer and often irregular following quality. Nuwara Eliyas were a disappointing feature which could be attributed to relatively uninteresting quality. Liquoring Leafy Teas too experienced a similar trend.  CTC PF1s were absorbed mostly around last levels whilst, the BP1s gained Rs.10-20 and at times substantially more following special inquiry.

Low Growns comprised of approx 3.9m/kgs, in the Leafy/Tippy Catalogues and there was improved demand this week, compared to the preceding sale. In the Tippy Catalogues better FBOPs/FF1s gained Rs.5-10 per kg whilst the Cleaner Secondaries gained further. Well made Tippy Invoices too sold well and were firm to irregularly dearer. At the lower end too there was better demand resulting in prices gaining on last. In the Leafy Catalogues BOP1s/OP1s sold well and were dearer Rs.5-10 per kg and more, particularly for the improved Below Best sorts. OP/OPAs too gained Rs.5-10 per kg, here-again, particularly for the Below Best and bottom end Teas.  Pekoes too were firm to dearer by Rs.10-15 per kg. CIS, Dubai, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were active, whilst, the other traditional out markets too lent useful support. (Source: Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers)