Strong tea market at the auction

There was a total of 5.88MnKg of tea on offer at this week's auction of which 3.1MnKg were low growns met with good demand. In the Large Leaf catalogues, OPIs, BOPIs and Pekoes continued to obtain attractive prices. The select best OP/Op As were well sought after and the poorest sorts moved up Rs.5 to Rs.10. Secondary varieties were irregular.

In the Small Leaf catalogues, better FBOPs sold at last levels, where as others gained Rs.3 to Rs.5. Select best FBOPFIs however lost Rs.10 to Rs.15. Others were firm to Rs.2 dearer. Tippy FBOPFs gained Rs.5 to Rs.10, whilst others gained Rs.3 to Rs.5. Last week's Low Grown average was Rs.195.28, Rs.6.13 higher than Rs.189.15 recorded the previous week.

Crop intakes have shown a decline subsequent to the dry weather reported in most planting districts. Since the weekend however few showers have been reported in most planting districts.

There was good demand in the Ex-Estate catalogues this week. Select seasonal Uvas moved up sharply on special inquiry, and an invoice of Uva Highlands realised a price of Rs. 910 per Kilo. But the greater weight in the below best category could not reach attractive levels. Seasonal Nuwara Eliyas sold well. Best Western BOPFs in particular continued at last week's high closing rates.

A feature of the sale was the price of Rs. 300 realised for Laxpana BOP sold in the Siyaka catalogues to Ceylon Tea Plantation Exports Limited. A Western BOP last realised this level of price back in March, at the height of the western quality season.