Ceylon tea’s national sales average dips 11% in November

Monday, 8 December 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

National Sales Average for tea in November has fallen “significantly” by 11.4% to Rs. 437.72 per kilo from Rs. 487.70 a year earlier, according to produce broker John Keells Ltd.

“The biggest losses have been from the Low Grown (-13.1%) and Medium Grown (-9.7%) and High Grown (6%). The to-date (Jan-Nov) national average still stands higher at Rs. 463.50 compared to Rs. 440.25 per kg during the same period last year,” it said. Meanwhile, at tea auctions last week Ex-Estate offerings of 1.12 Mkgs met with fair demand. John Keells said western High Grown BOPs were firm to irregularly dearer. Select Best Western BOPFs were dearer, while the below best and plainer sorts were mostly easier. The Nuwara Eliya BOPs were dearer following airmail inquiry. The BOPFs however were lower. The Udapussellawa BOPs were weak following quality. The BOPFs were mostly easier with a number of invoices remaining unsold. Uva BOPs were firm to dearer, while the BOPFs were firm on last levels. Select Best Low Grown PF1s were substantially lower while the below best types were mostly easier. BP1s too were irregularly lower. High and Medium PF1s were firm to easier at times following quality. The 3.5 Mkgs of Low Growns that came under the hammer this week, met with good demand. In the leafy category, there was more activity from the Russian buyers hence prices for OP/OPAs appreciated. BOP1/OP1s continued to sell at attractive levels. The Syrian type bold Pekoes declined as the sale progressed and was difficult of sale towards the end, John Keells said. In the Small leaf category, prices for most grades maintained last levels however the poorer teas declined several rupees. Tippy varieties too were mainly firm.