Tea auctions this week

Improved demand for liquoring teas

A smaller volume of 2.8 Mkg of Low Growns that came under the hammer this week had wide spread demand, but at lower levels. In the Leafy Category, Select Best OP1s declined several rupees, however a few below best invoices gained following additional inquiry, whilst the poorer sorts were mainly firm. The well made BOP1s were marginally lower, others too declined several rupees. The best and the below best OPAs declined several rupees, however, the poorer sorts maintained last levels. The best Pekoes on offer, were mainly firm, but all others declined Rs. 2/- to Rs. 4/-. The bolder varieties in particular, saw less inquiry. In the Small Leaf category, select best FBOP/FF1s were sold around last weeks levels. The below best sorts advanced Rs. 3/- to Rs. 5/-, particularly towards the latter part of the sale. Once again, the best Tippy varieties declined Rs. 20/- to Rs. 30/-, others too met with a lower market. There was excellent demand from Russia and Libya, whilst Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern markets too lent useful support.

Elevation averages for the month of October shows a positive variance when compared with last year for all elevations. The High, Medium and Low Growns for the month shows a positive variance of Rs.20.64, Rs.19.60 and Rs.9.09 with the total recording a pus of Rs.12.82. The cumulative average for January/October also shows a positive variance for all elevations at Rs.34.54, Rs.13.21 and Rs.3.41 respectively, with the total national average recording a plus of Rs.12.62.

The Ex-estate quantity on offer was marginally lower to last week at 1 Mkgs. There was improved demand at the commencement of the sale, particularly for the Western High Grown BOP/BOPF in the below best category where prices advanced by Rs.5/- to Rs.10/-. A few select best BOPs appreciated Rs.2/- to Rs.5/- whilst a few BOPFs gained Rs.5/- to Rs.8/-. The plainer BOPs were of an easier market whilst BOPF maintained. Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF was of a slightly lower market whilst a few Uva coloury BOPs sold well, others along with the BOPF declined Rs.4/- to Rs.6/-. The Low Grown CTC PF1s appreciated Rs.5/- to Rs.10/- and more at times whilst High Grown PF1s were irregularly lower. BP1s on an average were firm to a few rupees easier. (John Keells Limited)