Kenyan tea prices were mixed following quality at this week's auction, dealers said on Tuesday, although demand was generally better than last week. "The market saw improved demand with various rates following quality," said an official with Africa Tea Brokers.
Like last week, the preponderance of "rain teas", which suffer in quality because they grow too quickly in the rainy season after hot, dry weather, capped prices.
Yemen, Middle Eastern countries, Russia and Eastern Europe lent strong support, while Egypt bought at lower levels.
ATB said 83,338 packages of main and secondary grades were offered at the auction, compared to 72,084 kgs last week. There were 3,960 packages, or 4.75 percent, that remained unsold.
Top and bottom prices for Brighter Best Broken Pekoes Ones (BP1s) at the auction ranged from $2.24-$2.41 per kg compared to $2.22-2.39 the previous week.
Brighter Best Pekoes Fannings Ones (PF1s) were weaker at $1.72-2.21 per kg, from $1.79-2.25 per kg last week.