Auction offerings totalled 5.1 million Kgs, of which 0.4 million Kgs comprised of re-prints. Good general demand all round, perhaps in the backdrop of limited availability.
Ex-Estate offerings were fairly similar to last and totalled 0.7 million Kgs. A selection of teas showed an improvement, particularly from the Western slopes.
Improved widespread demand for the better teas which were firm and dearer following quality, whilst the others sold around last week's levels.
Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF's together with the BOP's at the lower end of the market continued to be a disappointing feature. Consequently, particularly in the Plainer category, the price parity between BOP/BOPF's ranged up to Rs. 200 per kg in favour of the latter.
High & Mid Grown CTC teas witnessed improved activity and a firm to dearer trend in prices, particularly for teas in the middle price bracket. Corresponding Low Grown types continued to sell well.
Selective demand from shippers to the UK and the continent. Fair activity from Japan and China, whilst shippers to the CIS and Middle East showed improved activity.
Low Growns totalled approximately 2.4 million Kgs. All categories met with fair demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, well-made BOP1's together with teas at the bottom were firm, whilst the balance declined. OP1's, in general, were firm to dearer. Well-made OP/OPA's were easier, whilst the balance were firm to selectively dearer. Select Best and Best PEK/PEK1's were irregular, whilst the Below Best and mixed varieties were easier. Teas at the bottom were firm.
In the Tippy catalogue, a selection of high-priced FBOP's were firm, whilst the balance together with the Best and Below Best were easier. Teas at the bottom sold at last levels. A few Select Best FF1's were firm, whilst the balance together with Best were irregular. Below Best and teas at the lower end were lower.
In the Premium catalogue, Tippy teas in general appreciated.
TEA AUCTION DETAILS
| AUCTION NO. | 41 | 40 | ||
| Dates | 20th/21st October 2026 | 13th/14th October 2026 | ||
| No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | |
| Ex Estate | 662 | 640,164 | 667 | 657,832 |
| High & Medium | 1,436 | 593,306 | 1,390 | 579,734 |
| Leafy | 1,888 | 670,225 | 2,079 | 735,725 |
| Semi Leafy | 1,711 | 675,700 | 1,874 | 762,552 |
| Tippy | 1,911 | 854,471 | 2,021 | 920,932 |
| Premium/Flowery | 306 | 41,830 | 309 | 40,975 |
| Off Grades | 2,262 | 1,133,909 | 2,264 | 1,112,956 |
| Dust | 524 | 447,757 | 505 | 435,858 |
| Grand Total | 10,700 | 5,057,362 | 11,109 | 5,246,564 |
(Source- Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers)
