With the tea industry much in need of a boost President Mahinda Rajapakse’s proposal to re-brand Ceylon tea as Sri Lanka tea has been welcomed by industry stalwarts.
Speaking at a ceremony held to award four international quality certifications to Ceylon Royal Tea Supplies (Pvt) Ltd. the President said that the brand name ‘Ceylon Tea’ is no more a Sri Lankan brand name and should be changed to Sri Lanka Tea.
Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, acclaimed as the best tea in the world has its inherent unique characteristics and reputation running through more than a century. Sri Lanka as the third biggest tea producing country globally has a production share of 9% in the international sphere, and one of the world’s leading exporters with a share of around 19% of the global demand. It is also the biggest employer in Sri Lanka, providing direct and indirect employment to over one million people, and a major contributor of government revenue.
However leaders in the industry have been complaining of the need to re-brand to compete with global rivals and maintain the niche that the country has had for almost a century. -The Morning Leader
CEYLON TEA 