Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd is globally recognized as Sri Lanka’s leading exporter of Ceylon tea and one of the most trusted names in the global tea industry. Established in 1969 and headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Akbar Brothers has a robust presence in over 90 countries, including an active export and distribution network into mainland China. The company is widely acknowledged for its uncompromising quality standards, innovative packaging solutions, and vertically integrated tea operations.
Core Business and Specialization
The core business of Akbar Brothers revolves around the manufacturing, blending, packaging, and global distribution of high-quality Ceylon tea. The company specializes in orthodox and CTC teas, and is known for offering a wide spectrum of tea variants under its own flagship brands and for private labels worldwide. Its dedication to quality and authenticity has made Akbar the largest exporter of Ceylon tea for over 30 consecutive years.
Product and Service Offerings
Akbar Brothers offers a diverse and sophisticated product portfolio that caters to both retail and wholesale markets. Their offerings include:
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Tea Types:
- Black Tea (CTC and Orthodox)
- Green Tea
- White Tea
- Flavoured Teas
- Herbal and Fruit Infusions
- Iced Tea
- Special Gift Collections
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Packaging Formats:
- Pyramid Tea Bags
- Traditional Tea Bags
- Loose Leaf Tea
- Bulk Packaging for B2B supply
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Value-added Services:
- Private Label Manufacturing
- Custom Blending and Packaging
- OEM/ODM capabilities for global clients
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Akbar Brothers stands out for its fully integrated supply chain, controlling every aspect of the tea journey—from plantation and plucking to packaging and global delivery. The company is uniquely positioned due to:
- Consistent recognition as Sri Lanka's No. 1 Tea Exporter
- In-house blending and state-of-the-art automated packaging facilities
- Partnerships with plantations ensuring traceability and sustainability
- Diverse brand portfolio that caters to budget, premium, and luxury segments
Financial Strength
Akbar Brothers is a financially robust private enterprise with annual revenues surpassing USD 100 million, according to Sri Lanka Tea Board export statistics. The company handles over 50 million kilograms of tea annually, accounting for a significant share of Sri Lanka’s total tea export volume.
Shipment and Trade Data
According to export trade platforms such as Volza and ImportYeti:
- Akbar Brothers has conducted over 1,200 documented international shipments over the past three years.
- In China, tea shipments mainly consist of black and green tea in bulk and packaged formats, delivered to distributors, e-commerce retailers, and hospitality partners.
- Shipment sizes range from 20-foot FCLs (Full Container Loads) to air freight samples, with per-shipment values varying between USD 15,000 to USD 75,000.
Target Market
Akbar Brothers caters to a global clientele that includes:
- International supermarkets and hypermarkets
- Distributors and wholesalers
- Hotels and hospitality chains
- Premium tea retailers and online marketplaces
- Private label clients in North America, Middle East, Europe, and East Asia
In China, the target audience includes affluent urban consumers, tea connoisseurs, and specialty stores interested in authentic Ceylon tea with a certified origin.
Capabilities
- Global Logistics Network: Ability to handle large-scale shipments and meet country-specific compliance.
- Innovation in Product Design: Modern packaging lines including biodegradable bags and reusable containers.
- Quality Assurance: Multi-stage testing and certification from ISO and HACCP-certified labs.
- B2B Flexibility: Ability to tailor products for private label clients with full compliance support.
Certifications and Compliance
Akbar Brothers adheres to the highest international standards:
- ISO 22000 and HACCP Certified
- GMP Certified Facilities
- Rainforest Alliance & Ethical Tea Partnership Participant
- FDA & EU Compliant
- Halal and Kosher Certified
Customer Testimonials
Customer trust is reflected through long-term partnerships and brand loyalty:
"Akbar Tea has been our top-performing tea brand for 7 years. Their consistency and packaging quality remain unmatched." – Retail Chain Partner, UAE
"Our private label business grew 60% in 18 months after switching to Akbar Brothers for blending and fulfillment." – Tea Distributor, Russia
Major Achievements
- Ranked No.1 Tea Exporter from Sri Lanka for 30+ Consecutive Years
- Awarded Presidential Export Award (Multiple Years)
- Launched Sustainable Packaging Line in 2022
- Expanded Market to Over 90 Countries, including major retail chains and duty-free operators
- Pioneered Green Energy Initiatives, powering factories through solar and hydro energy
With an unwavering commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and customer satisfaction, Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd continues to lead the global Ceylon tea movement, enriching lives through every sip.