'''Ceylon tea''' is the brand of [[tea]] which is produced in [[Sri Lanka]]. Ceylon tea has been described as not only a geographical indication but also has been a pillar of Sri Lankan culture,
'''Ceylon tea''' refers to tea produced in the highlands of [[Sri Lanka]], formerly known as Ceylon. Renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma, Ceylon tea is a significant export product of Sri Lanka and is celebrated worldwide for its quality.
heritage and identity.<ref name="Wijesinghe">{{cite journal |last1=Wijesinghe |first1=W. A. S. S. |title=The protection on geographical indications in developing countries: The case of Ceylon tea |journal=Balance - Multidisciplinary Law Journal |date=2015 |volume=1 |issue=1 |page=11 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308791023_THE_PROTECTION_ON_GEOGRAPHICAL_INDICATIONS_IN_DEVELOPING_COUNTRIES_THE_CASE_OF_CEYLON_TEA |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Tea Board is the legal proprietor of the Lion Logo of Ceylon tea. In 2019, Sri Lanka was the fourth largest [[tea production in Sri Lanka|tea producer]] and the third largest tea exporter in the world.<ref name="ceylonteabrokers">{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2019/20 |url=https://cdn.cse.lk/cmt/upload_report_file/923_1598870723048.pdf |publisher=Ceylon Tea Brokers |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> The Lion Logo has been registered in 98 countries as of 2016.<ref name="Annual Report">{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2016 |url=https://parliament.lk/uploads/documents/paperspresented/annual-report-srilanka-tea-board-2016.pdf |website=parliament.lk |publisher=Sri Lanka Tea Board |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> Ceylon tea increasingly have to face the competition for the rising production costs. The main reasons for increasing cost of production is increasing labour wages, increase in fuel prices and increase in utility costs.<ref name="Hilal 2020">{{cite journal |last1=Hilal |first1=M. H. M. |title=Sri Lanka’s Tea Economy: Issues and Strategies |journal=Journal of Politics and Law |date=2020 |volume=13 |issue=1 |page=1 |doi=10.5539/jpl.v13n1p1 |url=http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jpl/article/view/0/41505 |access-date=5 February 2021|doi-access=free }}</ref>
==Packaging==
==History==
In order for the Lion Logo to appear on a tea pack, it must meet four criteria. The logo should only appear on a [[Consumer packaged goods|consumer pack]], the pack should contain 100 percent pure Ceylon tea, It should be packed in Sri Lanka and the brand should conform to the quality standards set out by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.<ref name="SLEDB">{{cite web |title=Tea from Sri Lanka |url=https://www.srilankabusiness.com/pdf/tea-ebrochures-1.pdf |website=srilankabusiness.com |publisher=Sri Lanka Export Development Board |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> Ceylon tea is a recognised tea because its controlled productions and should be sold in its value refined form in order to yield higher margins. It has been suggested that restricting the usage of the logo only to the licensed companies would secure the quality of tea and capture the interest of more customers who appreciate a certified quality product.<ref name="Johnsson">{{cite book |last1=Johnsson |first1=S. |title=The green gold from Sri Lanka - An explorative research of the value chain of raw material in developing countries |date=2016 |publisher=School of Business and Economics at [[Linnaeus University]] |location=[[Småland]] |page=72 |url=https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:971300/FULLTEXT01.pdf |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref>
The history of Ceylon tea dates back to the 19th century when the British colonial government introduced tea cultivation to the island. The first tea plantation was established in 1867 by [[James Taylor (tea planter)|James Taylor]], a Scottish planter, in the Kandy region. The success of Taylor's plantation led to the rapid expansion of tea cultivation across the island, replacing coffee, which had been devastated by a fungal disease.
==Market and competition==
==Cultivation==
The market for pure teas such as "pure Ceylon tea" is considered a [[niche market]] occupying only 10 percent of the global market.<ref name="Kelegama">{{cite book |last1=Kelegama |first1=S. |author1-link=Saman Kelegama |title=The case for liberalization of tea imports for increasing value addition and enhancing tea exports of Sri Lanka |date=March 2010 |publisher=[[Institute of Policy Studies (Sri Lanka)|Institute of Policy Studies]] |location=Colombo |page=8 |url=https://www.ips.lk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/tealib.pdf |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> Data analysis reveals that Sri Lanka's [[market share]] has been decreasing continuously whereas the share of [[Tea production in Kenya|Kenyan tea]] has been increasing at a higher rate penetrating into Sri Lanka's market share.<ref name="Kithsiri">{{cite journal |last1=Kithsiri |first1=K.H.S. K. |last2=Jayamanna |first2=V.S. |last3=Abewickrama |first3=L. M. |title=Evaluation of Competitiveness of Ceylon Tea in the World Market |journal=Sri Lankan Journal of Agriculture and Ecosystems |date=June 2020 |volume=2 |issue=1 |page=89-98 |doi=10.4038/sljae.v2i1.31 |url=https://sljae.sljol.info/articles/abstract/10.4038/sljae.v2i1.31/ |access-date=5 February 2021|doi-access=free }}</ref>
Ceylon tea is grown in various regions of Sri Lanka, each producing tea with unique characteristics. The main tea-growing areas include [[Kandy]], [[Nuwara Eliya]], [[Uva Province|Uva]], [[Dimbula]], and [[Ruhuna]]. The altitude, climate, and soil conditions in these regions contribute to the distinct flavors and aromas of the tea.
==Promotion==
===Types of Ceylon Tea===
Sri Lanka Tea Board signed an agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket to sponsor [[Sri Lanka national cricket team]] and [[Sri Lanka women's national cricket team]] commencing from June 2013<ref name="cricket">{{cite web |title=‘‘Ceylon Tea’’ - The Official Overseas Sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket |url=http://www.srilankateaboard.lk/index.php/the-official-overseas-sponser-of-sri-lanka-cricket |website=srilankateaboard.lk |publisher=Sri Lanka Tea Board |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> and Ceylon tea is still sponsoring the national teams. More than 50 percent of the tea exports of Sri Lanka are still in the traditional bulk tea while the value-added tea ([[green tea]], [[flavoured tea]], organic tea, [[instant tea]], [[iced tea]], and [[Canned tea|ready-to-drink tea]]) exports account for 40 to 45 percent of total tea exports. However all types of value-added tea products yields a higher price than the bulk tea exports.<ref name="Herath">{{cite journal |last1=Herath |first1=H.M.U.N. |last2=De Silva |first2=S. |title=Strategies for Competitive Advantage in Value Added Tea Marketing |journal=Tropical Agricultural Research |date=2011 |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=251-262 |doi=10.4038/tar.v22i3.3698 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274687560_Strategies_for_Competitive_Advantage_in_Value_Added_Tea_Marketing |access-date=5 February 2021|doi-access=free }}</ref> The global consumer preferences for tea are changing, therefore, more convenient tea product has a growing demand in the global market. Even though the Sri Lankan tea industry has a [[competitive advantage]], it finds difficulties in capitalising on the advantage owing to the inability of engaging in [[international marketing]] activities.<ref name="Hilal">{{cite journal |last1=Hilal |first1=M. I. M. |last2=Kaldeen |first2=M. |title=International Tea Marketing and Need for Reviving Sri Lankan Tea Industry |journal=Journal of Management |date=2016 |volume=9 |issue=1 |page=36 |doi=10.4038/jm.v9i1.7563 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289335610_International_Tea_Marketing_and_Need_for_Reviving_Sri_Lankan_Tea_Industry |access-date=5 February 2021|doi-access=free }}</ref>
Ceylon tea is categorized based on the region of cultivation and the processing method. The primary types include:
==References==
* '''Ceylon Black Tea''': Known for its bold flavor and rich color, it is the most common type of Ceylon tea.
{{Reflist|4}}
* '''Ceylon Green Tea''': Lighter in flavor, with a more delicate aroma, it is less oxidized than black tea.
* '''Ceylon White Tea''': Also known as "Silver Tips," it is the least processed and most expensive type, with a subtle flavor and aroma.
==External links==
==Processing==
* [https://www.pureceylontea.com/ The official website for the brand]
The processing of Ceylon tea involves several steps, including withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and sorting. The method of processing affects the final flavor and quality of the tea. Black tea undergoes full oxidation, while green tea is minimally oxidized, and white tea is simply dried.
{{Teas}}
==Economic Importance==
{{Economy of Sri Lanka}}
Ceylon tea is a major contributor to Sri Lanka's economy, providing employment to thousands of people and generating significant export revenue. The tea industry is a vital part of the country's cultural and economic landscape.
[[Category:1867 establishments in Ceylon]]
==Cultural Significance==
[[Category:Sri Lankan brands]]
Tea is an integral part of Sri Lankan culture, with tea drinking being a common social activity. The island's tea estates are also popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the tea production process and the opportunity to taste freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
[[Category:Sri Lankan tea]]
[[Category:Tea brands]]
==Related pages==
{{dictionary-stub1}}
* [[Sri Lanka]]
<gallery>
* [[James Taylor (tea planter)]]
File:Japanese_Box_of_100%_Pure_Ceylon_Tea.jpg|Japanese Box of 100% Pure Ceylon Tea
* [[Tea production in Sri Lanka]]
</gallery>
* [[History of tea in Sri Lanka]]
==Gallery==
[[File:Japanese_Box_of_100%_Pure_Ceylon_Tea.jpg|Japanese Box of 100% Pure Ceylon Tea|thumb|right]]
[[Category:Tea]]
[[Category:Agriculture in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan cuisine]]
[[Category:Economy of Sri Lanka]]
Revision as of 18:44, 23 March 2025
Tea grown in Sri Lanka
Ceylon tea refers to tea produced in the highlands of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. Renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma, Ceylon tea is a significant export product of Sri Lanka and is celebrated worldwide for its quality.
The history of Ceylon tea dates back to the 19th century when the British colonial government introduced tea cultivation to the island. The first tea plantation was established in 1867 by James Taylor, a Scottish planter, in the Kandy region. The success of Taylor's plantation led to the rapid expansion of tea cultivation across the island, replacing coffee, which had been devastated by a fungal disease.
Cultivation
Ceylon tea is grown in various regions of Sri Lanka, each producing tea with unique characteristics. The main tea-growing areas include Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula, and Ruhuna. The altitude, climate, and soil conditions in these regions contribute to the distinct flavors and aromas of the tea.
Types of Ceylon Tea
Ceylon tea is categorized based on the region of cultivation and the processing method. The primary types include:
Ceylon Black Tea: Known for its bold flavor and rich color, it is the most common type of Ceylon tea.
Ceylon Green Tea: Lighter in flavor, with a more delicate aroma, it is less oxidized than black tea.
Ceylon White Tea: Also known as "Silver Tips," it is the least processed and most expensive type, with a subtle flavor and aroma.
Processing
The processing of Ceylon tea involves several steps, including withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and sorting. The method of processing affects the final flavor and quality of the tea. Black tea undergoes full oxidation, while green tea is minimally oxidized, and white tea is simply dried.
Economic Importance
Ceylon tea is a major contributor to Sri Lanka's economy, providing employment to thousands of people and generating significant export revenue. The tea industry is a vital part of the country's cultural and economic landscape.
Cultural Significance
Tea is an integral part of Sri Lankan culture, with tea drinking being a common social activity. The island's tea estates are also popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the tea production process and the opportunity to taste freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
