The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing celebrated the International Tea Day on 07 June, 2022 with a promotion of Ceylon Tea. The International Tea Day falls on 21 May annually. However, due to the pandemic related restrictions, the celebration was shifted to the 7th of June, 2022. The event was organized in collaboration with XIAO GUAN CHA, a reputed Chinese tea company. Several media personnel, tea buyers, Sri Lanka tea importers, tea connoisseurs and businessmen attended the event.

In 2021, China imported 15.2M kg of Ceylon tea worth of USD 76M. However, the first quarter of 2022 registered minus growth due to closed tea shops, hotels, cafes and restaurants and pandemic related logistics restrictions.

The Ambassador, Dr. Palitha Kohona, speaking at the event said that, Sri Lanka Tea, Ceylon Cha, is unique. It is reputed for its taste, aroma, purity, depth, and well known health benefits. Black tea is a well known antioxidant. The Ambassador further noted that China could consume more Ceylon tea and encouraged the importers and buyers to purchase more Ceylon tea and experience its benefits. A larger and more lucrative market would assist Sri Lanka to eliminate rural poverty, as China also has done so effectively. He called upon the Sri Lanka exporters to target the Chinese market and to meet its standards.

The Ambassador said that China is the second largest economy in the world, which could be a lucrative market for Sri Lanka’s new exporters. The Ambassador requested Sri Lanka exporters to strive to meet the China Customs requirements, and registering with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).

The Ambassador with Mr. Sampath Perera (Tea Promotion Officer) also took time to demonstrate the preparation of the best cup of Ceylon tea, lemon tea and milk tea. The Chinese millennials prefer bubble tea, milk tea and lemon tea.

All the participants were served with Ceylon tea. 7 regional teas of Sri Lanka and the major tea grades were on display at the event.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

08 June 2022