Auction offerings were marginally lower to last and totalled 5.1 million Kgs. There was fair demand mostly at firm to easier rates.
Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.8 million Kgs. Quality of teas, particularly from the Western Region, showed a decline, whilst the others were barely maintained. Consequent to the general decline in quality, seasonal activity for the Westerns' have reduced significantly and select high-priced teas declined further.
A selection of brighter teas in the Best and Below Best categories witnessed some renewed interest and consequently, a price appreciation of up to Rs. 50 per kg on these select invoices, whilst the others were irregular and often easier by a similar margin. Prices at the lower end - BOP's tended to weaken further, whilst the corresponding BOPF's were maintained subject to quality. Nuwara Eliyas' sold well following quality, whilst the overall prices for the Uva/Uda Pussellawas' were lower by Rs. 20-40 per kg in most instances.
High & Medium Grown CTC teas too witnessed a bearish sentiment, particularly at the lower end of the market.
Low Growns had hardly any activity for the BP1's, whilst the PF1's were marginally easier.
Less buying activity from most markets, perhaps a combination of qualitative aspects and the forthcoming holiday season.
Low Growns comprised of 2.0 million Kgs. Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories met with less demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, a selection of high-priced BOP1/OP1's were firm, whilst the balance were easier. OP's, in general, were lower. A few select Best OPA's sold around last levels, whilst the Best and Below Best declined. However, teas at the bottom were firm. Select Best PEK/PEK1's together with the mixed and open varieties were lower, whilst the balance sold around last levels.
In the Tippy catalogue, a few select Best FBOP's were firm, whilst the balance together with the FF'1 declined.
In the Premium catalogue, Very Tippy teas together with the Best and Below Best met with good demand and were dearer. Cleaner teas at the bottom too followed a similar trend, whilst the balance were lower.
TEA AUCTION DETAILS
| AUCTION NO. | 16 | 15 | |||
| Dates | 28th / 29th Apr 2025 | 22nd / 23rd Apr 2025 | |||
| No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | ||
| Ex Estate | 944 | 949,861 | 865 | 881,754 | |
| High & Medium | 2,112 | 1,024,630 | 2,037 | 979,991 | |
| Leafy | 2,317 | 914,475 | 2,128 | 820,021 | |
| Semi Leafy | 1,709 | 743,600 | 1,558 | 651,802 | |
| Tippy | 2,071 | 978,292 | 1,948 | 916,776 | |
| Premium/Flowery | 372 | 58,120 | 355 | 53,901 | |
| Off Grades | 2,366 | 1,204,279 | 2,268 | 1,134,673 | |
| Dust | 631 | 572,772 | 600 | 528,519 | |
| Grand Total | 12,522 | 6,446,029 | 11,759 | 5,967,437 | |
(Source- Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers)
