Select Western, Uva teas gain at Colombo auction

Selective buying and special inquiry pushed up prices for several high-grade Western and Uva teas at the latest Colombo tea auction, although overall market conditions remained mixed, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.

Best Western BOPs showing improved leaf and liquor quality gained Rs. 50–100 per kg and more following special inquiry for selected invoices. A few Best Western BOPF invoices also gained up to Rs. 50 per kg and more, while the balance sold around last week’s levels.

Selected BOPs in the below-best category recorded substantial gains, with other descriptions selling firm to marginally dearer. BOPF teas in the category were largely steady.

Lower-end BOP and BOPF offerings continued to sell around last week’s levels.

In the Uva region, demand was particularly strong for coloury teas. Selected coloury BOPs gained Rs. 50 per kg and more, while corresponding BOPF teas rose by Rs. 20–40 per kg. Other descriptions were irregular and barely steady.

Meanwhile, market conditions in the Nuwara Eliya and Uda Pussellawa regions remained sluggish.

In the high- and mid-grown CTC segment, BP1 supplies remained severely restricted, with hardly any offerings listed in the catalogue. PF1 offerings comprised teas with all-round leaf and liquor quality.