BOGAWANTALAWA TEA CEYLON
Bogawantalawa unveils globally recognised, one-of-a-kind teas to the Sri Lankan market
It was a grand night at the Monarch Imperial when Bogawantalawa Teas celebrated their internationally reputed climate-positive product range’s entry into the Sri Lankan market with live discussions and an interactive Q&A session amidst a series of show-stopping musical numbers that made it unforgettable.
A range of exclusive high-grown teas comprising the heritage collection direct from Bogawantalawa plantations in the golden valley were introduced to a distinguished audience of VIP guests including top tea industry professionals and enthusiasts, senior marketing personnel from modern and general trade, and several high-profile invitees. Mr. Niraj de Mel, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the invitees at the event, the Director and CEO of Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon, Mr. Almas Marikkar said that it was a promise beyond just single-origin Ceylon Teas and that “we are filling a void in the market by offering Sri Lankans a one-of-a-kind high-grown product that’s climate-positive certified and sourced directly from the golden valley”. He went onto say that, “local consumers now had access to a globally marketed, export quality range of teas to suit their every mood and palate”.
Mr. Niraj de Mel, in his speech congratulated the Bogawantalawa team for the initiatives taken to come-up with such a premium offering to the Sri Lankan consumer. “In mainland China, teas are sold at a much higher price than their exports, signifying that superior quality tea was enjoyed by the countrymen”, he said.
Recalling fond childhood memories of spending a holiday at the then Wanarajah estate factory officer’s residence, he stated that his association with estates belonging to Bogowantalawa goes back a long time and added that he was “glad that some of the high standards of that period are still maintained”.
He expressed positive remarks about the superior quality of the Kotiyagala tea, one of the premium products in the launched collection. “I was fortunate to have sampled it recently and it was quite simply superior. Please convey my compliments to your tea master”, he stated. He went onto endorse the sustainability measures taken at Bogawantalawa and emphasised that all other tea plantation companies should focus on improving the ‘Ceylon Tea’ quality to what it was once reputed for.
The stand-up panel-discussion on sustainability and the future of the Sri Lankan Tea Industry between Director / CEO Mr. Marikkar, Dr. Thusitha Bandara, Director – Low Country Operations, Sustainability and Research & Development, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC and Mr. Narendra Weerakoon, (Vice President – Business Development & International Marketing), stimulated much fervour and educated and enlightened the audience about the Climate-Positive processes from cultivation to shelf as well as the stringent sustainability measures followed at Bogawantalawa estates and the overall standards maintained.
Mr. Anil Cooke, Managing Director and CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities, another VIP guest at the event, congratulated Dr. Bandara on his sustainability achievements and taking the Bogawantalawa plantations beyond a Carbon-Neutral status together with 100% renewables. Responding to a question from the audience, Dr. Bandara, a panelist at the recently concluded Global Dubai Tea Forum, stated that Bogawantalawa Teas had invested millions of dollars in sustainability practices and that they intended to do more in the years ahead.
Dr. Bandara further stated: “Our desire to nurture natures’ pristine gifts has made us adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture with a view to addressing the challenges of climate-change. At Bogawantalawa, we are proud to extract the best from nature through ecologically friendly practices. Our commitment to sustainable cultivation has given us the edge to comply with UN SDG-2030 well in advance. All these have made us the world’s first Climate-Positive Tea Company”, he added.
Mr. Vellayathan, a quality product of Norwood estate and currently its factory officer, was also celebrated that evening for his tireless, unstinted commitment with over 60 years’ service. Ms. Neelakanthi, another valued veteran at the plantations was also felicitated when she shared her lifetime experiences with the audience in connection with harvesting the perfect tealeaf.
The event also facilitated a distributor appreciation segment where Bogawantalawa Teas presented plaques as a token of appreciation to twenty top dealers and distributors from both the general and modern trade sectors around the island.
With unmatched flavour and aroma that’s guaranteed to uplift the spirit of consumers, the exclusive collection of teas launched was comprised of the following.
- Bogawantalawa EXTRA STRONG Tea was a pungent selection that made the most outstanding liquor for the popular Sri Lankan palate.
- The Bogawantalawa CLASSIC was a high-grown special blend that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
- LEGEND was a rich blend of Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings that promised to soothe and re-vitalise the consumer.
- An exclusive limited edition high-grown Single Estate Tea from the esteemed KOTIYAGALA estate was on offer for the sophisticated palate of connoisseurs.
- The brand’s EXOTIC range carried a flavourful essence of natural fruits, flowers and spices blended to suit every consumer mood… 8 Flavours in all.
- ALL NATURALS were a smoothly blended collection of herbal infusions that was crafted with carefully chosen natural herbs and spices. 10 Flavours in all.
- Suited to invigorate and re-vitalise your mind, body and spirit, Bogawantalawa ORGANIC was a collection of truly biological teas to rejuvenate the consumer.
- IMPERIALS was a range created with carefully selected Golden and Silver Tippy Teas sourced directly from the estate to leave palates 5 Flavours in all.
Post event, addressing the media, the Chairman of MetroCorp Group & the Bogawantalawa Tea companies, Mr. D J Ambani stated: “We are proud to bring our globally accredited, award-winning teas to the local market. Sourced from the Golden Valley of Ceylon Tea and recognized as the world’s first climate-positive teas make our product excellence not only a formidable accomplishment but also a cause for national pride.”
Speaking to the media, Mr. Devinda Gunawardene (General Manager – Sales & Marketing) said “the local consumer market was now privileged to find these unique blends on store-shelves at all modern and general trade outlets.” Made with biodegradable teabags and sustainable packaging, these products are delivered directly from the highland tea-estates of the Golden Valley along with 100% traceability.
The excitement that prevailed throughout the night was mixed with a flair of unprecedented response. Borne from the ideal terroir and elevation of the legendary Golden Valley along with the right micro-climatic conditions to yield the perfect tealeaf, this highly exclusive selection of teas is now afforded to Sri Lanka together with the promise of excellence that’s synonymous with the Bogawantalawa brand.
Please contact Sanjeev Hewavitharne (Corporate Communications) on 0701417606 or 0706118617 for any clarification.
From Left to Right: Ms. Bhagya Yapa – Brand & Business Development Executive, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon; Mr. Devinda Gunewardena GM – Sales & Marketing Sri Lankan Market, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon; Mr. Almas Marikkar – Director / CEO, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon; Mr. Lalith Munasinghe, Executive Director Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC; Mr. Anil Cooke, Managing Director / CEO, Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC; Mr. D J Ambani, Chairman, MetroCorp Group & Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon and Tea Estates PLC; Mr. Niraj de Mel, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tea Board; Dr. Thusitha Bandara, Director – Low Country Operations, Sustainability and Research & Development, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC.
The newly launched product range on display at the Tea Excellence boutique-store at 153 Nawala Road, Narahenpita, Colombo 5
Product Pyramid