The quantity of tea arriving at the Colombo Auction this week increased from 4,946,365.00 Kgs to 5,104,339.00 Kgs which traded in the previous week’s auction, whilst the Ex-estate quantity increased from 651,000.00 Kgs to 726,431.00 Kgs.

MARKET SEGMENTS: In the Ex-Estate Category: Best western BOP’s were firm and Rs.10-20 per Kg lower, BOPF’s were firm.  Below best and plainer BOP’s were firm, BOPF’s clean leaf coloury teas were firm.  Others were irregular and easier.  Nuwara Eliya BOP’s were firm, BOPF’s were difficult of sale.  Uda Pussellawa BOP’s were firm and Rs.10-20 per Kg dearer, BOPF’s were firm and Rs.10 per Kg dearer.  Uva BOP’s better sorts were firm.  Others were irregular.  BOPF’s were generally firm. CTC – BP1’s were dearer by Rs.10-20 per Kg. PF1’s were firm and dearer.

Low Grown Leafy Market Segment:  Select Best OP1’s declined, whilst clean Below Best varieties gained. Others and poorer sorts were fully firm to selectively dearer. Select Best BOP1’s were fully firm, whilst a range of improved Below Best varieties gained. Others and poorer sorts too were fully firm to dearer. Select Best OP’s were barely steady, whilst a range of improved Below Best varieties gained following quality. Others and poorer sorts maintained. Select Best OPA’s were barely steady, whilst improved Below Best varieties were fully firm. Others and poorer sorts maintained. A range of select Best PEK/PEK1’s maintained, whilst others and mixed varieties in particular prices were barely steady. Teas at the bottom end maintained.

In the Tippy Market Segment:  Well-made FBOP’s were firm to dearer. Cleaner Below Best together with cleaner teas at the bottom too appreciated. Balance were firm to dearer. FF – Very Tippy teas continued to attract good demand. Best together with cleaner Below Best appreciated. Balance too were dearer to a lesser extent. Well-made FF1’s were firm to selectively dearer, whilst cleaner Below Best appreciated. Balance too were dearer to a lesser extent.