Q: What distinguishes the Bogawantalawa brand name and enables it to stay ahead of the market – and what unique features does it offer?

Almas Marikkar (AM): The Bogawantalawa region gets its unique resonance from the elevation that ranges between 4,500 and 6,000 feet, and other micro-climatic conditions such as natural resources like soil fertility, natural boundaries, hydrology and rainfall, the wind pattern, the flora and fauna, and other ecosystem services.

All these contribute to impart a unique character to a tea leaf that’s true to its origin. These collective factors are what makes this iconic location globally renowned as the ‘Golden Valley of Ceylon Tea.’

From cultivation to shelf, we adhere to meticulous climate positive processes with stringent sustainability measures across all our estates, assuring 100 percent traceability. The superior yield of high grown teas from this valley, certified as 100 percent climate positive, makes our brand promise a one of a kind offering to consumers.

Q: How did Bogawantalawa achieve this sustainability leadership?

AM: At Bogawantalawa, we have a well-established sustainability philosophy and culture that’s led by Dr. Thusitha Bandara. He is a thought leader and stellar expert on the subject who spearheads all our sustainability initiatives.

Thusitha Bandara (TB): We started calculating our carbon footprint in 2009 and commenced work on our first solar trial in 2010. Thereafter, we began work on our biodiversity conservation zone with organic farming trials in 2011. And in 2012, we started working on energy improvements with the goal of achieving 100 percent renewables.

The very next year, we began measuring our waste footprint through the 3R system (reduce, reuse, recycle) and embarked on sustainable soil development, as well as micro-irrigation programmes to activate climate-smart agriculture.

In 2015, we embarked on the initial phase of our solar project for domestic consumption and by mid-2016, our wind farming trials concluded with success, completing the second phase of our Solar for Tea agenda. Our Solar Phase 2 reached fruitful completion in 2016 and we were successful in obtaining carbon neutral status.

Subsequently, we received our official climate positive certification in 2019.

We have invested millions of dollars into diverse sustainability projects and it has resulted in us being a global pioneer in uncompensated climate positive teas. Our unstinted commitment to sustainable cultivation has blessed us with the edge to comply with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 way ahead of time.

All this work has garnered much acclaim on the international stage. While our exports have a fair trade origin rate of over 80 percent, our desire to be unique in a wholesome manner has received acknowledgement at the Green Apple Environment Awards in the Houses of Parliament of the UK, International Green Environment Awards, World Sustainability Awards and Global Sustainable Food Awards.

At the end of April, we presented a case study in sustainable packaging, transparency and fair trade at the Global Dubai Tea Forum.

Q: Could you describe your product offering and what sets it apart from other tea products in Sri Lanka?

AM: The ‘seven seasons’ of Ceylon Tea is renowned among tea consumers in the global community. Particularly among the ever evolving community of tea drinkers in Japan and most European countries, the Golden Valley is renowned for these seasons.

It’s no secret that some of the leading brands in the world use Bogawantalawa teas to enhance their product quality. Therefore, our international recognition is not merely a formidable accomplishment – it is indeed a cause for national pride.

Today, we are proud to educate the Sri Lankan consumer by introducing our globally accredited, award-winning high grown varieties to the discerning Sri Lankan clientele. Through this, we look to fill a vacuum in the local marketplace for an exclusive and niche consumer product.

Our newly launched collection of teas imparts unmatched flavours and aromas that are sure to uplift the spirit of local consumers.

An exclusive, limited edition high grown single estate tea from the esteemed Kotiyagala estate is available for sophisticated palates. Then we have Imperials, a range created with carefully selected Golden and Silver Tips that comprise five eclectic flavours.

With eight promising flavours, the Exotic range carries the essence of natural fruits, flowers and spices blended to suit every consumer mood. The All Naturals collection is a smooth blend of herbal infusions made of 10 flavours.

We reintroduced Legend, a richly unique high grown blend of broken orange pekoe fannings, which promises to soothe and revitalise.

Finally, we have Classic, the existing classical blend, and Extra Strong, the local palate ideal.

Packaged to preserve freshness, local consumers are now privileged to find these unique teas on store shelves at all modern and general trade outlets, and at the Tea Excellence boutique outlet on 153 Nawala Road, Narahenpita in Colombo 5.

Q: What is the brand looking to offer the local market in the future?

AM: A wide range of our garden grown organic range is in the final phase of production and will be launched in the Sri Lankan market synchronised with the international launch later this year.

Our entry to the Sri Lankan market is only the first step. In the international marketplace, we offer tea experiences ranging from traditional to contemporary with over 500 recipes. We intend to continuously expand this offering with value added gift packs for Sri Lankan consumers.

– Compiled by Dona Senara

COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone – 2369845 | Email – inquiry@bogawantalawa.com | Website – www.bogawantalawa.com