Dilmah Tea was founded by trailblazing teamaker Merrill J. Fernando, whose passion for quality, goodness and ethical purpose has helped Dilmah stand the test of time.
Born into a rural Sri Lankan family, Fernando was the first tea grower in the world to produce tea grown, perfected and packed at source. Influenced by his mother’s family values, he was an advocate of kindness, and founded Dilmah on quality, authenticity, integrity, purpose and the belief that every business should serve humanity. His philosophy lives on through his son, Dilhan, who now heads up the Dilmah Tea business.
Tea for good
Fernando’s dream of making the world a better tea first became reality in 1985 when Dilmah, Single Origin tea made its debut. Going against industry mass commercialisation trends of the time, the company focused on authenticity, taste, goodness and purpose.
Forty years on, Dilmah stays true to its founding promise of garden fresh, unblended Ceylon tea, packed at source. It supplies airlines, including Emirates, but also touches the lives of the less fortunate with programmes in nutrition, training, education and child care. At least 15% of its pre-tax profits goes to humanitarian initiatives through its MJF Charitable Foundation. A further 5% goes to Dilmah Conservation.
Innovation
New to the comprehensive range of ethically-made Gourmet Teas and Infusions, Dilmah’s Elixir of Ceylon Tea is a natural extract of single estate tea. It can be used to make iced or sparkling teas and tea cocktails and is a great choice for health-conscious travellers looking for a convenient and healthy alternative to coffee, alcohol and sugar-packed soft drinks when flying.
Healthy choice
Science suggests tea offers many health benefits, including aiding digestion and hydration, reducing stress, improving skin, gut and heart health and reducing stress.
Last year, Dilmah launched its Finest Ceylon Cinnamon, rich in antioxidants and also supporting health.
The cinnamon used comes from Dilmah’s Kahawatte Plantation, one of the largest and most respected in Sri Lanka, where master growers and peelers have passed down their knowledge for generations to produce world class cinnamon.
The company remains committed to making a positive impact on the natural environment, empowering communities through kindness and dignity and addressing inequality for the next 40 years and beyond.
