The final sale for Q1 2026 concluded today had on offer a total of 5.0 million Kgs, recording a decline on the previous week's offerings of 5.6 million Kgs. There was good general demand at irregular rates.
Ex-Estate offerings comprised of a fairly similar volume to the previous week and totalled 0.79 million Kgs.
Quality of teas from the Western slopes were barely maintained and accordingly, teas in the higher price bracket were often irregular and mostly easier. At the lower end of the market, there was improved activity and often a firm to dearer trend in prices, particularly for the BOPF grade. Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF's after several weeks of fairly good prices, took a sharp declined this week with many teas remaining unsold due to a lack of suitable bids. Uda Pussellawas' often selling at the lower end of the market, recorded price gains of Rs. 20-40 per kg for the clean leaf types, whilst the others were irregular. Uva BOP's were generally firm, whilst the corresponding BOPF's were Rs. 20-40 per kg dearer.
High & Mid Grown CTC teas showed no significant change for the better teas, in particular, which sold around last, whilst the poorer sorts were weaker with a fair weight remaining unsold. Corresponding Low Grown BP1's sold around last, whilst the PF1's decline by Rs. 20 per kg and more.
Low Growns totalled approximately 2.2 million Kgs. Fair demand was witnessed in the Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories, whilst the Premium category met with good demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, Select Best and Best BOP1's were firm, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties were irregularly lower. OP1's, in general, were easier. Well-made OP/OPA's were easier, whilst the balance sold around last levels. Select Best and Best PEK's were firm, whilst the Below Best together with the bold/open varieties were lower. Tea at the bottom maintained. High-priced PEK1's together with Below Best varieties were easier, whilst Best and teas at the lower end sold around last levels.
In the Tippy catalogue, a selection of high-priced FBOP's appreciated, whilst the balance together with Best and teas at the lower end were firm. Below Best and bolder varieties eased, whilst the teas at the bottom sold around last levels. Well-made FF1's together with the Below Best types were easier, whilst the teas at the lower end sold around last levels.
In the Premium catalogue, Tippy teas in general appreciated.
TEA AUCTION DETAILS
| AUCTION NO. | 15 | 14 | ||
| Dates | 21st/22nd Apr 2026 | 07th/08th Apr 2026 | ||
| No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | |
| Ex Estate | 848 | 787,903 | 795 | 745,039 |
| High & Medium | 1,561 | 660,767 | 1,374 | 555,954 |
| Leafy | 2,012 | 713,585 | 2,039 | 723,056 |
| Semi Leafy | 1,523 | 593,648 | 1,628 | 647,305 |
| Tippy | 1,961 | 887,081 | 1,924 | 879,257 |
| Premium/Flowery | 213 | 27,001 | 185 | 23,346 |
| Off Grades | 2,299 | 1,145,083 | 2,271 | 1,118,695 |
| Dust | 664 | 577,517 | 633 | 552,057 |
| Grand Total | 11,081 | 5,392,585 | 10,849 | 5,244,709 |
(Source- Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers)
