Author: Admin
We are three generations of tea farmers
We love tea, and that’s our passion – that’s the difference between farmers and traders. It’s all about the leaf, because that’s where taste and natural goodness begin. But it’s also about purpose. Because that comes from a family business with family values. Those are the life lessons the 3rd generation of the Dilmah Family grew up with, under the guidance of their grandfather – Merrill J. Fernando, the tea farmer from a tiny fishing village in Sri Lanka, today the World’s Most Experienced Teamaker 71 years on.
The Most Experienced Tea Maker
In the serene coastal town of Pallansena, Negombo, a boy was born to two hardworking Ayurvedic doctors in 1930. Little did they know that their son, Merrill J. Fernando, would one day become the ‘World’s Most Experienced Teamaker’, serving flavourful brews made with the finest two leaves & a bud, handpicked, perfected and packed amidst the rolling hills of Ceylon. Although the name Dilmah came into existence later, the story of Merrill J. Fernando and his passion for tea began in his early twenties when he began his career at AF Jones. When the British Colonial system was still prevailing, it was believed that Sri Lankans could not taste tea because they ate too much curry. Merrill J. Fernando proved this theory wrong when he was selected as one of the first ever Sri Lankan tea tasters to learn about tea in Mincing Lane, London. He travelled to England with Joesph Travers & Sons in 1954 to learn more about the tea industry. After a year of hard work and dedication, he was appointed director of AF Jones in 1958. He went on to buy the company with his two partners when the owners decided to return to England. In the following years, his life was enriched by the arrival of his two sons, Malik and Dilhan, while the company he built, MJF Co Ltd, made its highest net profit for tea sold. The road ahead looked bright, and Ceylon Tea Services Ltd was established in 1982. In 1985, Merrill J. Fernando renamed his tea company to the now globally recognized brand name, Dilmah, in honour of his sons Dilhan and Malik. With unprecedented success in Sri Lanka, his vision was to share the unparalleled taste of Ceylon tea with the world. This led to the launch of Dilmah in Australia in the following years, accompanied by a legendary campaign featuring the iconic line “Do try it,” which helped cement Merrill J. Fernando and his Dilmah as a household name. The rest, as they say, is history, still in the making, because the Dilmah story never stops brewing…
Body
Tea, a natural elixir, offers a plethora of health benefits for both the mind and body. Its high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids make it a powerful ally in the fight against chronic and viral diseases. Drinking tea regularly can give your body ten times more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Choosing Single Origin handpicked tea high in polyphenols is essential for optimal health. This type of tea can help regulate metabolism, supporting your body’s natural processes. Fresh tea can provide maximum health benefits by preserving the natural goodness of antioxidants and flavonoids. Drinking 3-4 cups of tea daily can help keep your body well-hydrated and reduce the risk of various health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, coronary disease, and tooth decay. Long-term consumption of tea has been consistently linked to good health and longevity. A delightful cup of the World’s Finest Single Origin Pure Ceylon Tea by Dilmah opens you to the experience of numerous health benefits that aid your overall wellbeing.
Mind
A well-brewed cup of tea contains natural ingredients that are known for their calming effects on both the mind and body. Tea provides significant mental benefits, including improved cognitive function, improved decision-making skills, positive psychological changes, and relaxation without drowsiness due to the amino acid L-theanine found in tea. Components such as caffeine and theanine have been found to enhance mental abilities and may even have beneficial effects on Alzheimer’s disease. While the effects of tea on memory in old age are still uncertain, experimental studies suggest that tea consumption can extend lifespan.
Soul
Guided by the philosophy that ‘business is a matter of human service’, Dilmah believes in ethical tea production focused on its core values of quality, tradition, ethics, integrity, and sustainability. Furthermore, Dilmah Tea is committed to contributing 15% of its profits to the MJF Charitable Foundation, which strives to empower disadvantaged communities, and to Dilmah Conservation, which is dedicated to safeguarding our planet. From impressive projects that protect our environment to community uplift programs that have impacted thousands of lives, Dilmah Tea aspires to change the world, one sip at a time.
Tea Inspired Mixology
The intricate art of blending nature’s most indulgent beverage with exquisite ingredients to create unique concoctions, tea mixology has become a global craft. It requires a delicate and creative approach, with a deep understanding of each tea’s unique flavour notes and the ability to unite them with complementary ingredients harmoniously. Dilmah Tea challenges mixologists to create the perfect drink by seamlessly matching ingredients with the tea’s unique flavour profile, from non-alcoholic mocktails to sophisticated cocktails and shooters. This requires a deep understanding of the influence of terroir, soil, and temperature on tea, ensuring that every ingredient complements the tea’s flavour notes. Dilmah’s prestigious ‘Mixology Playoff’ competition draws top mixologists from leading resorts worldwide to compete for the coveted title. With endorsements from renowned mixologists such as Tomek Malik and Alberto Pizzario, Dilmah strives to inspire aspiring culinary enthusiasts to experiment with crafting their own deliciously unique concoctions using the finest tea from Ceylon. Explore our delightful recipes, and unleash your creativity to craft your own signature blends.
Soul
Guided by the philosophy that ‘business is a matter of human service’, Dilmah believes in ethical tea production focused on its core values of quality, tradition, ethics, integrity, and sustainability. Furthermore, Dilmah Tea is committed to contributing 15% of its profits to the MJF Charitable Foundation, which strives to empower disadvantaged communities, and to Dilmah Conservation, which is dedicated to safeguarding our planet. From impressive projects that protect our environment to community uplift programs that have impacted thousands of lives, Dilmah Tea aspires to change the world, one sip at a time.
Tea Inspired Mixology
The intricate art of blending nature’s most indulgent beverage with exquisite ingredients to create unique concoctions, tea mixology has become a global craft. It requires a delicate and creative approach, with a deep understanding of each tea’s unique flavour notes and the ability to unite them with complementary ingredients harmoniously. Dilmah Tea challenges mixologists to create the perfect drink by seamlessly matching ingredients with the tea’s unique flavour profile, from non-alcoholic mocktails to sophisticated cocktails and shooters. This requires a deep understanding of the influence of terroir, soil, and temperature on tea, ensuring that every ingredient complements the tea’s flavour notes. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE The Teamaker’s Private Reserve Dilmah Commemorative Tea Dilmah’s prestigious ‘Mixology Playoff’ competition draws top mixologists from leading resorts worldwide to compete for the coveted title. With endorsements from renowned mixologists such as Tomek Malik and Alberto Pizzario, Dilmah strives to inspire aspiring culinary enthusiasts to experiment with crafting their own deliciously unique concoctions using the finest tea from Ceylon. Explore our delightful recipes, and unleash your creativity to craft your own signature blends.