Dilmah

Overview

Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, trading as Dilmah, is a Sri Lankan company specializing in Ceylon tea sold internationally. It is the 10th largest tea brand worldwide as of 2023 and operates as the only fully vertically integrated tea company, owning plantations, factories, and packaging facilities.¹

History

Dilmah was founded in 1985 by Merrill J. Fernando, who began exporting tea in 1962 through Ceylon Tea Services Company and Merrill J. Fernando Company.¹ In 1982, Fernando established Ceylon Tea Services Ltd, listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.¹ The company expanded exports to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America, becoming the top-selling brand in New Zealand by 2013.¹ It marked its 40th anniversary around 2025, led by second-generation Chairman/CEO Dilhan C. Fernando and his son Amrit.²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in Sri Lanka through in-house vertically integrated operations, including owned tea plantations, factories, printing, and packaging facilities.¹

Notable Products

• English Breakfast Tea - Pure Ceylon black tea sold in 50 tea bag boxes.
• Dilmah Ceylon Tea - Unblended, garden-fresh single-origin teas.
• Luxury Tea Collections - Premium teas and infusions for special occasions.
• Infusions - Non-tea herbal and fruit infusions.

Reputation

Dilmah is recognized for its ethical practices, committing 15% of pre-tax profits to conservation and community support, including schools, hospitals, and wildlife protection.⁵ Professionals note its vertical integration and pioneering role in single-origin Ceylon tea.¹⁴ It holds strong market positions in Australia and New Zealand but faces typical industry competition in premium segments.¹