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Exhibiting at HOTELEX Shanghai 2025

(NECC) in Hongqiao, West Shanghai
30 Mar - 2 Apr, 2025

Media Gallery

What makes Sri Lanka the tea island of the world?

The whole world - Ceylon Tea

Product Offerings

Product Categories:

Ceylon Tea, Beverages

Products:

Ceylon Tea: Black Tea, Green Tea, Flavored Tea, Organic Tea

Tea Accessories: Tea Sets, Tea Infusers, Gift Packs

The Sri Lanka Tea Board, operating under the Ministry of Plantation Industries, is the apex regulatory and promotional body for Ceylon Tea worldwide. Representing the interests of the Sri Lankan tea industry since its establishment in 1976, the Tea Board plays a crucial role in both domestic regulation and global marketing, including a strong presence in China Mainland through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing.

Core Business and Operations

The primary mission of the Sri Lanka Tea Board is to promote "Ceylon Tea"—a globally recognized brand synonymous with purity, quality, and ethical production. With rigorous quality assurance standards and a legal framework protecting the Ceylon Tea lion logo, the Board ensures that every tea export bearing the logo meets stringent criteria.

In China Mainland, the Tea Board’s presence is marked by its Tea Promotion Unit operating under the Third Secretary at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing. The unit actively participates in trade fairs, promotional events, and diplomatic initiatives to promote Sri Lankan tea culture among Chinese consumers and businesses.

Product and Service Offerings

The Sri Lanka Tea Board promotes a wide variety of teas under the Ceylon Tea umbrella:

  • Black Tea: Known for its rich flavor and bright color, exported in various grades.
  • Green Tea: Produced primarily for health-conscious markets.
  • Flavored Teas: Infused with natural ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, and mint.
  • Organic Teas: Cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
  • Tea Accessories and Gift Packs: Promoted during trade exhibitions to enhance cultural appeal.

Specialization and Core USP

Ceylon Tea is the first global tea brand to achieve the status of being ozone-friendly certified. It is also one of the few tea-producing countries that adheres strictly to a manual plucking system, ensuring that only the two tender leaves and a bud are picked—preserving flavor and freshness.

The Lion Logo trademark is a globally recognized symbol of genuine Ceylon Tea, which guarantees:

  • 100% Pure Ceylon Tea
  • Packed in Sri Lanka
  • Conformity to Sri Lanka Tea Board quality standards

Financial Performance and Export Volume

According to Sri Lanka Customs and data from the Export Development Board (2023):

  • Tea Export Revenue: USD 1.2 billion in 2023
  • Total Export Volume: Over 250 million kilograms of tea exported worldwide
  • China Market Share: China ranked among the top 10 importers of Ceylon Tea, importing over 3.5 million kg in 2023, a 17% YoY increase.

Target Market

The Sri Lanka Tea Board targets:

  • Tea importers and distributors across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China
  • Retailers and supermarkets focused on premium and organic food categories
  • HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) sector
  • Health and wellness product resellers

Capabilities

  • Dedicated Tea Promotion Unit in Beijing
  • Frequent participation in expos such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and SIAL China
  • Digital and social media campaigns localized for Mandarin-speaking audiences
  • Strategic partnerships with Chinese distributors and logistics providers

Certifications and Compliance

  • ISO 22000 and HACCP: Ensuring food safety in every stage of tea production
  • Ethical Tea Partnership Member
  • EU Organic Certification: For organic Ceylon Tea producers
  • Ozone-Friendly Certification: Recognized by the Montreal Protocol framework

Customer Testimonials

  • “Ceylon Tea is now a staple in our organic wellness section. Its consistency in quality and aroma outperforms other imported teas.” – Tea Buyer, Beijing Wellness Market
  • “We find Sri Lanka Tea Board very responsive and supportive during import processes and promotional events.” – Import Manager, Shanghai Fine Foods

Major Achievements

  • Official Tea Sponsor at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Sri Lankan Pavilion
  • Recognized as “Best International Tea Pavilion” at the 2023 Guangzhou World Food Expo
  • Expanded social media engagement by 60% in China during 2023 with over 1.2 million YouTube impressions and 50K+ Weibo followers

Through a combination of heritage branding, strict regulatory oversight, and dynamic market engagement, the Sri Lanka Tea Board continues to elevate the reputation of Ceylon Tea in China Mainland and globally.