Business
Tea prices ‘good’ in 2020 with low growns as biggest contributor to high average
By Steve A. Morrell
The cumulative average of Rs. 628.21 (US$ 3.42) was the highest average recorded on all teas sold last year, the Forbes and Walker tea market report reported.
With steady increases in net sales averages throughout 2020, culminated in prices realized at the end of the year.
The industry described prices during the year as “good”. However, interestingly, although low growns were the highest contributor to the high average, high and mid growns also recorded substantial averages described as the highest on record. Low growns averaged Rs. 666/32 per kilo.
Brokers attributed the high prices to less tea available all year round with the exception of Kenya, which recorded distinctly positive crop returns.
India’s tea production was badly hit by the Covid-19 just as much as many other South East Asian countries. The disruption in the demand and supply mechanism influenced price increases in Colombo, they said.
The Sri Lanka Tea Board also contributed in positive terms to the high prices though active promotional campaigns. The crop position, 2020 year end, as reported by Asia Siyaka Tea Market Report, was 262.6 million kilos. Comparatively, 2019 recorded 284.3 million kilos, indicating a drop in both production years.
The reasons attributed were extreme dry weather in the first quarter 2020 affected crop intakes. The weather factored cropping patterns and irrespective of some mid-year respite recouping the shortfall could not be realized to ensure crop resurgence.
Irrespective of high prices realized, apart from five Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) which returned year end profits, there was no positive news from other RPCs.
The smallholder sector continued to record their positive trend contributing some 75 percent to the overall production result. The crop variance year-on-year was 83.6 million kilos.
Commenting on crop intakes that affected the global supply, the Asia Siyaka report further said Kenya’s increased production was 104 million kilos while India’s minus result was 142 million kilos.
A source from the Tea Factory Owners’ Association, who declined identification, said the tea factory sector also contributed to high prices by strictly maintaining manufacturing standards.
John Keells Tea Market report said the demand from Turkey, Iran, Russia, and CIS countries lent fair support. Libya and Iraq too were active in Colombo.
The report further said flowery grades were sold at prices in the range of Rs. 2,800. per kilo.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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