Strong demand for tea at auctions

A slightly smaller volume of 2.7 mkg of low growns that were on offer last week, met with excellent demand, particularly for the small leaf grades.

In the leafy category, the select best BOPIs maintained last levels, however the balance shed Rs. 10 to Rs. 15. The select best OPIs decline Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 but others maintained last levels.

Select best OPAs were firm, whilst the balance advanced Rs. 10 and more at times, as the sale progressed. Better Ops gained Rs. 5 to Rs. 10, however, poorer types met with improved demand and prices gained Rs. 10 to Rs. 15.

The shotty Pekoes declined Rs. 10, the bolder types maintained last levels. The clean well made BOP/BOP.SPs continued to sell at attractive levels and advanced Rs. 5. The FBOP/FF1 grades met with strong demand and advanced Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 and at times more, as the sale progressed, poorer types too met with strong demand.

Best Tippy varieties maintained last levels, however, the balance on offer met with strong demand and prices advanced Rs. 30 to Rs. 40. There was good demand from Russia, Turkey, Syria, Dubai, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern markets too lent useful support.

The following All Time Record Prices were established at this week’s sale.
 

Estate/Mark	Category Grade	Price	Buyer			Selling
								Broker
Kukuleganga	Law	OP	Rs. 510	Expolanka Teas		John Keells
Derangala Hills	Low	BOP	Rs. 480	Expolanka Teas		John Keells	
Hingalgoda	Low	PF1	Rs. 495	Qualitea (Cey) Pvt Ltd	John Keells