Source : island

Better liquoring teas receive attractive prices

Auction offerings remained around last and totalled 5.5 M/Kgs. Overall demand for the Low Grown/Large Leaf teas showed a slight improvement following improved activity. Ex-Estate offerings declined quite sharply and totalled 0.68 M/Kgs, down from the 0.8 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. Overall quality of teas showed no significant change.

Improved demand for select invoices in the Best Western category. Also, the final offerings of seasonal teas from the Eastern sector continued to witness some useful support and fairly attractive prices were

recorded with price variances often reflective of quality. Teas in the middle price bracket, both from the Western and Eastern sector, tend to ease off by Rs. 20-40 per kg particularly for the BOPF grade.

High & Medium Grown CTC teas continued to witness a bearish sentiment with prices often firm to easier on last. Corresponding Low Grown varieties sold firm to dearer, whilst the PF1 grade in particular continued to sell between Rs. 1,450-1,550 per kg levels (approximately USD 5).

Better liquoring teas continued to receive support from the UK, Japan and the continent, whilst shippers to the CIS continued to be active on a wide cross-section of the teas.

Low Growns comprised of 2.5 M/Kgs. The Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories met with fair demand.

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, well-made BOP1’s were firm, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties were irregularly lower. Select Best and Best OP1’s were dearer, whilst the Below Best and poorer sorts were fully firm. Well-made OP/OPA’s appreciated, whilst the Below Best varieties declined.

Teas at the bottom were firm. Select Best and Best PEK/PEK1’s were dearer, whilst the balance sold around last levels.

Well-made FBOP’s together with the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm, whilst the balance were easier following quality. Select Best and Best FF1’s were firm to easier. However, the  cleaner Below Best were firm, whilst the balance were irregular following quality. In the Premium catalogue, Very Tippy teas together with the Best and cleaner Below Best appreciated, whilst the balance were easier following quality.