Bogawantalawa unveils globally recognized, 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. 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, 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”.

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 Bogawantalawa 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 emphasized 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 Marikkar, Dr. Thusitha Bandara, Director – Low Country Operations, Sustainability and Research & Development, Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC and 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.

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 that “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.

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 which can be enjoyed on any occasion.

LEGEND was a rich blend of Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings that promised to soothe and revitalize 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 -eight flavours in all.ALL NATURALS were a smoothly blended collection of herbal infusions that was crafted with carefully chosen natural herbs and spices – ten flavours in all.

Suited to invigorate and revitalize 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 entranced – five flavours in all.

Post event, addressing the media, the Chairman of MetroCorp Group & the Bogawantalawa Tea companies, 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.”

The excitement that prevailed throughout the night was mixed with 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.