The first Colombo Tea Auction of 2025 took place on Friday, January 31, marking a historic return to the traditional auction room at the Chamber of Commerce. This comes four years after the auction transitioned to a digital platform in response to the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
Established in 1883, the Colombo Tea Auction is the world’s oldest tea auction and continues to operate twice weekly, trading approximately 6.5 million kilograms of various tea grades. I
n an effort to preserve this heritage, the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association has committed to conducting live outcry auctions once a quarter, ensuring that the art of auctioning is not lost.
The association’s Chairman and Committee emphasize the importance of maintaining industry traditions while fostering engagement among brokers, buyers, and sellers—just as they have for over 135 years.
The recent outcry auction featured 948 lots, totaling nearly 1 million kilograms of Ex-Estate teas. Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC initiated the auction, sparking lively bidding.
The return to in-person sales created an atmosphere of excitement as seasoned traders and a new generation of participants engaged in face-to-face negotiations.
The fast-paced sale, averaging over four lots per minute, was accompanied by animated exchanges and competitive bargaining, reviving the energy of pre-pandemic auctions.
While the traditional format made a strong comeback, the digital auction platform remained active, with the majority of tea offerings sold online.
This hybrid approach ensured a smooth transition while catering to a broader market. At this auction, a total of 6.4 million kilograms of tea was successfully sold, reflecting strong global demand.
Sri Lankan tea, globally recognized as Ceylon Tea, has an extraordinary legacy. What began as an experimental crop on a 19-acre plantation in 1867 has grown into an industry that satisfies 19% of global demand. Known for its distinctive taste and aroma,
Sri Lanka has become the world’s third-largest tea exporter. The industry also plays a crucial economic role, being the nation’s largest employer and supplying tea to prestigious events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Ceylon Tea is distinguished not only for its quality but also for its environmental and ethical credentials.
It is recognized as the world’s cleanest tea in terms of pesticide residues, a status confirmed by the ISO Technical Committee. Sri Lanka also pioneered the “Ozone Friendly Tea” label under the Montreal Protocol Treaty and holds the title of the world’s first Ethical Tea Brand, endorsed by the United Nations Global Compact.
Beyond its economic significance, Sri Lanka’s tea industry thrives amidst breathtaking landscapes. The country produces a diverse range of teas, shaped by unique geographical and climatic conditions.
Low-grown teas, cultivated below 2,000 feet, are known for their rich color and strength, making them ideal with milk. Mid-grown teas (2,000–4,000 feet) offer a balanced flavor, while high-grown teas (above 4,000 feet) are prized for their delicate golden liquor and intense aroma. Some estates also produce rare silver tips, yielding a light straw-colored infusion best enjoyed plain.
With centuries of expertise and continuous innovation, Sri Lanka remains a dominant force in the global tea market. The revival of outcry auctions serves as a tribute to tradition while ensuring the industry remains adaptable to modern trade demands.
