Last week, Sri Lanka made another significant move in promoting its famous tea and cultural heritage. The trade and tourism event "Ceylon Tea: Finest Evening" took place at the Hyatt Regency in Bangkok on 1 September 2025. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Thailand hosted this event to strengthen trade, boost tourism, and enhance the global presence of Ceylon Tea. 

 

What Happened at the Event

• Key sectors were represented, including Thai tea importers, retailers, hotel and shopping mall chains, government institutions, media, and the diplomatic corps. 
• The event began with refreshing iced Ceylon black tea served alongside Sri Lankan ginger cookies. 
• Promotional videos provided attendees with a lively introduction to Sri Lanka’s tourism potential and rich tea heritage. 
• Ambassador Wijayanthi Edirisinghe highlighted Ceylon Tea as a symbol of quality and pride, emphasizing the ongoing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism. 
• A recorded message from Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to building international partnerships. 
• Guests enjoyed a high tea experience featuring premium Ceylon teas paired with traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and select international options. 
• Tea products from leading Sri Lankan exporters, including Dilmah, Basilur Tea, Stassen Exports, Tea Packs, Unitrades, Tea Talk, Inter Beverages, Ceylon Fresh Teas, and Ceyland Tea, were displayed. 

 

Why It Matters: Trade, Tourism, and Brand Value

Reinforcing the Ceylon Tea Brand
Ceylon Tea has long represented top quality, sustainable farming, and a distinctive flavor. Events like this remind international markets, particularly Thailand, that Sri Lanka continues to deliver excellence.
 

Trade Opportunities
By bringing together importers, retailers, and leaders from hotel and shopping chains, Sri Lanka opens doors for larger orders, improved distribution channels, and possibly new product lines suited to Thai consumer tastes.

Tourism Boost

Tea is more than a product; it’s an experience. When visitors learn about tea estates, plantings, history, and landscapes, they are more likely to travel to Sri Lanka. Combining tourism with tea culture—such as tea trails, estate stays, and tea tasting—can create a strong niche.

Soft Diplomacy and National Image
Cultural and trade diplomacy like this helps build stronger relationships. An event like “Finest Evening” shows care for heritage and pride, not just commerce.

 

How Ceylon Tea Can Grow Further in Thailand and Beyond

1. Based on the event and its potential effects, here are some ideas:
2. Localized Products and Flavors: Introducing tea blends or flavored teas that reflect Thai taste preferences, such as jasmine-infused, fruity, or lightly sweetened options, could create a better connection.
3. Tea Tourism Packages: Sri Lankan travel agencies can team up with Thai tour operators to offer “Tea and Travel” packages that include visits to tea estates, hill country tours, tea workshops, and relaxation.
4. Retail and Café Presence: More boutique cafés in Thailand serving pure Ceylon Tea, ideally in partnership with known Sri Lankan tea brands, can help raise visibility.
5. Digital Marketing and Influencers: Engage Thai influencers, foodie channels, and travel bloggers to highlight tea culture—focusing not just on the product but on the stories behind plantations, farmers, and the art of blending.
6. Quality Certifications and Storytelling: Emphasize what makes Ceylon Tea special, such as its terroir, elevation, flavor, aroma, sustainability, and the Lion Logo quality seal—these aspects attract premium consumers.
7. Events and Tastings: Organize smaller, regular tea-tasting events in Thai cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, allowing consumers to sample, learn, and buy.

 

Why Ceylon Tea Should Be in Every Sip and Every Journey

Ceylon Tea is more than just a product; it embodies heritage, quality, and the flavor of an island that has been growing tea since the 19th century. When Sri Lanka showcases its tea alongside its stunning beauty, culture, and warmth, it invites the world to share in more than just a beverage—it’s an experience. 
Just as every cup of Ceylon Tea has a story of heritage, every journey through Sri Lanka offers a timeless experience. The island is now celebrated as one of the world’s best places for tea tourism. Here, travelers can stroll through lush plantations, stay in colonial tea bungalows, and enjoy engaging tea-tasting tours. Beyond the hills, carefully planned Sri Lanka tour packages open up opportunities for romance with honeymoon holidays, adventure with wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences with guided tours. For those looking for comfort, luxury travel in Sri Lanka combines five-star accommodations with authentic local charm. This makes every holiday as memorable as the island’s finest brew.

Let this “Finest Evening” be more than a one-time event; let it signal the moment when more people in Thailand, Asia, and beyond say, "Yes, I want Ceylon Tea."

New credit: https://www.ft.lk/business/Sri-Lanka-hosts-Ceylon-Tea-Finest-Evening-to-promote-trade-tourism-and-Ceylon-Tea-in-Thailand/34-781620

Article by: Avishka - Ceylon expeditions