Dilmah Tea

Dilmah is a prestigious global brand of tea, founded in 1988 by Merrill J. Fernando. It is widely recognized for being the first producer-owned tea brand in the world, championing the concept of 'garden-fresh' tea packed right at the source. Unlike many global tea brands that blend varieties from multiple countries, Dilmah focuses on single-origin Ceylon tea, grown and processed in the highlands of Sri Lanka.

The brand is built on a foundation of ethical business practices and quality, maintaining a presence in over 100 countries. Dilmah operates as a vertically integrated business, meaning the family-owned company manages the tea gardens, the factories, and the global distribution. This ensures that the profits stay within the country of origin to support the local economy and the MJF Charitable Foundation.

Ownership remains strictly within the Fernando family, ensuring that the legacy of 'Ceylon Tea' is preserved against the commoditization of the industry. The brand is synonymous with the revival of traditional tea-making methods, emphasizing the importance of hand-picking and ethical production over mass-industrialized blending.