The Story & Terroir of Ceylon Tea.
For over 150 years, Sri Lanka's central highlands, misty valleys and coastal plains have produced black, green and white teas celebrated worldwide for their aroma, color and distinct character.
The Heritage of Ceylon Tea
From James Taylor's pioneering 19-acre plot at Loolecondera in 1867 to becoming the world's gold standard for Pure Ceylon tea.
Arrival of James Taylor
James Taylor arrives in Ceylon from Scotland, settling at the Loolecondera Estate in Galaha to pioneer commercial tea cultivation.
First 19-Acre Plantation
Taylor plants the first 19-acre tea field on Loolecondera Estate, laying the foundation for Sri Lanka's greatest export industry.
First Factory Operations
A fully equipped tea factory opens on Loolecondera Estate, perfecting orthodox rolling and firing techniques.
London Debut
Ceylon Tea makes its international debut when twenty-three pounds of tea produced by James Taylor reach London to acclaim.
How it all began
James Taylor arrived in Ceylon in 1852, settling at the Loolecondera Estate, Galaha. He began a 19-acre tea plantation there in 1867, laying the foundation for what would become Sri Lanka's largest export industry for over a century. In 1872, a fully equipped tea factory began operating on the Loolecondera Estate. By 1873, Ceylon Tea made its international debut when twenty-three pounds of tea produced by James Taylor reached London to wide acclaim.
Celebrated as the world's finest
Represented by the iconic Lion logo and the registered ‘Ceylon Tea’ trademark, Ceylon Tea is exclusively handpicked by expert tea pluckers and produced through authentic orthodox methods. It is the freshest tea available in the global market — expertly packed within 3 weeks of harvesting to preserve freshness, flavour and aroma.
Ceylon Tea is the first Ozone Friendly Tea in the world and does not use Methyl-Bromide during packaging and shipping.
A great equaliser
A product that began as a diversification experiment spanning just 19 acres in 1867 today satisfies 19% of global demand. Sri Lanka has become the world's third largest tea exporter, the country's largest employer, and supplies tea to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Ceylon Tea is also the cleanest tea in the world in terms of pesticide residues - confirmed by the ISO Technical Committee - and is the proud owner of the first Ethical Tea Brand of the World, recognised by the UN Global Compact.
Explore Where Ceylon Tea Grows
Select any of Sri Lanka's seven classic tea regions to explore its elevation, climate, aroma profile, and handpicked leaf grades.
Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya
The Champagne of Ceylon Teas | Mountainous & Delicate
Nuwara Eliya is the highest elevation tea-growing region in Sri Lanka and the world's finest. Combined with low temperatures and misty mountain air, this produces teas of exquisite bouquet. The infusion in the cup is the palest and most delicate of all Ceylon teas, light golden, florally fragrant, and incomparably refined. Often called the 'Champagne of Ceylon Teas'.
