Author: Shehani
Mr. Dilmah – The Face and Voice of His Beloved Brand
Merrill J. Fernando was a man who held his ground when it came to marketing his beloved Dilmah. Fondly referred to as MJF, his confidence was built on a foundation of instinct and experience that no theoretical marketing strategies could parallel. He was a steadfast believer in the goodness of pure Ceylon tea, in his ability as a teamaker, and in his God. There was nothing that could make him waver in his allegiance to any of these. This narration makes more sense if we go back to where it all started – his ordinary childhood in the humble fishing village of Pallansena in Negombo, Sri Lanka. MJF was a gentleman who, despite all the international accolades accrued in his lifetime, always appreciated and reminisced the simplicity of his early village life. Chapter 23 of his memoir, The Story of Ceylon Teamaker Merrill J. Fernando, opens with a reference to the personal connection that the owner of a neighbourhood grocery shop often made with their customers, back in the day. They owned the shop, ran the shop, knew the consumer, and knew every product they sold. They could offer insight or advice, if required, on any product, and thereby had a sense of accountability for what they sold. MJF’s marketing strategy was based on the same simple, straightforward, interactive approach. It was personal marketing. At a time when authentic, artisanal, consumer-centric products were gradually being replaced by commercially-driven mass production, MJF stayed true to his promise of making the world a better tea – garden-fresh, unblended, single origin, pure Ceylon tea. As the founder and owner of his Dilmah brand, he personally visited the countries to which Dilmah tea was exported, guaranteeing the producer’s accountability to both buyer and consumer. The unprecedented move gave him an unparalleled advantage over other brands that relied on middle-men to promote their products, for MJF knew his product inside-out. He could answer any question about it. He talked with and listened to his consumer, first-hand. He wasn’t simply selling Dilmah tea – he created it, nurtured it, loved it, and lived it. Unlike other faceless, emotionless multinational competitors, MJF’s personal involvement in introducing and promoting his Dilmah to foreign markets made it a peerless product that came with this real man, in flesh and blood, whom consumers could see, hear, and relate to. Above all, family values stood at the core of this marketing platform. It is no surprise, therefore, that so many of the people he met on a business level in the early years of Dilmah, evolved into lifelong friends. With a little coaxing from his friend and agent Daron Curtiss in New Zealand, MJF agreed to be the face and voice of his own brand – on television, radio, and in magazines. He was soon recognised in New Zealand – and subsequently around the world – as ‘Mr. Dilmah’, and his iconic words, “Do Try It” have echoed across the globe and through generations of tea drinkers. The trials and tribulations that MJF faced in his quest to make the world a better tea are numerous. It took him nearly four decades to fulfil his aspiration of creating his beloved Dilmah, having to work his way through both colonial and local bureaucracy. The international market proved to be equally prickly, with some competitors and retailers resorting to vile manipulation. Yet, MJF persevered and persisted, refusing to disrespect the Ceylon tea that he revered, or degrade the Dilmah brand that he had dedicated his life to. Akin to his faith in God was his belief that his ethos would one day be rewarded. As he says in his memoir, “If the product is genuine, the consumer will ensure the success of the brand.” Words to live by, indeed.
Dilmah and Seven Network Shatter Records Down Under
Sri Lanka is on the bucket list of many-a-traveller. A fair amount of enthusiasm and excitement from viewers would therefore have been expected when Australia’s Seven Network launched a competition to win a trip to Sri Lanka, in conjunction with Dilmah Ceylon Tea. However, a response of nearly 60,000 entries was completely unexpected – and unprecedented! It, in fact, broke television records in Australia, for the highest number of entries received for a competition of this sort. Dream Escape, as the competition was aptly titled, allowed 20 lucky participants the opportunity to win a five-night stay for two in Sri Lanka. Return tickets to Colombo from Sydney were sponsored by SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka’s national carrier, known for its warmth and hospitality. The first two nights of the trip were to be spent in Colombo, enjoying the sights, sounds and vibrance of the country’s capital city. Winners then had the opportunity to choose from three exclusive luxury properties managed by Resplendent Ceylon, the competition’s hospitality partner and luxury hospitality arm of Dilmah Tea, for the next three nights. They could spend this time up in the chilly tea country at a colonial-style Ceylon Tea Trails bungalow, or at the exotic Cape Weligama resort in the south, or at the uber-cool Wild Coast Tented Lodge property that lies between jungle and ocean in Yala. The competition was prompted by Dilmah’s desire to celebrate 40 years of Dilmah Ceylon Tea in Australia. In true Dilmah style – inspired by our beloved late Founder Merrill J. Fernando – celebrating anything grand involves giving back on a grander scale. Thus, the idea to treat 20 winners from Dilmah’s first international market to a trip around the beautiful island from which Dilmah takes the purest of Ceylon tea to the world. After all, Dilmah tea has been a top favourite for decades among tea consumers in Australia. The competition was open to all of Seven Network’s ‘Sunrise’, ‘Weekend Sunrise’, and ‘The Morning Show’ Australian viewers. With a total jackpot of AUD 260,000, each winner’s trip was worth a breezy AUD 13,000. All it took to stand a chance to win this luxurious getaway was an entry stating, in up to 25 words, why you would love to visit Sri Lanka – the home of Dilmah tea, and how you enjoy your perfect cuppa. We wish all the lucky winners of this competition a truly memorable time during their luxurious Dream Escape to our beautiful island!
Can a Cuppa Contribute Towards a Healthy Heart?
“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.” – World Health Organization, 2021 These numbers have risen since 2021, with unhealthy eating habits, stress, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles being the prime contributing factors. There is some degree to which age contributes to the incidence of CVD, as arterial (blood vessel) walls lose their flexibility and elasticity over time, thereby restricting the rate and ease at which blood flows through them. However, the factors mentioned previously are all elements that can be monitored and controlled by our own accord. Before we see where tea comes into all of this, let’s take a brief look at the science behind CVD. What is cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease refers to health conditions pertaining to the heart and blood vessels. The heart is responsible for pumping blood out to the body, and blood vessels are responsible for supplying every tissue and organ in the body with blood. This includes the supply and circulation of blood within the heart as well, via coronary arteries. Any blockage within these arteries could result in an interruption of blood flow to a particular part of the heart, resulting in a myocardial infarction, or what we commonly refer to as a ‘heart attack’. Complete blockage of a major coronary artery could potentially be fatal. The occurrence of the same process in the brain is known as cerebrovascular disease, or what we commonly refer to as a ‘stroke’. Again, depending on the degree and location of blockage, the outcome could have lifelong consequences or potentially be fatal. What causes CVD and stroke? These types of CVDs develop over time, with a gradual deposition of fat, cholesterol or other substances on the inner arterial wall. This phenomenon, known as atherosclerosis, leads to plaque formation that eventually narrows the blood vessel, restricting blood flow through it. There are several factors to which this plaque formation could be attributed, including: These factors, therefore, inadvertently become risk factors for the incidence of CVD / heart attacks and strokes. So, where does tea come into all of this? Let’s look into each aspect. How can tea help to lower blood cholesterol levels? Cholesterol and lipids bind onto proteins, forming lipoproteins, for circulation in the bloodstream. High density lipoproteins (HDL) carry cholesterol and lipids from the bloodstream to organs, while low density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol and lipids from organs into the bloodstream. Since elevated blood cholesterol and lipid levels increase the risk of CVD and stroke, we casually refer to HDL as ‘good cholesterol’ and LDL as ‘bad cholesterol’. Research shows that tea consumption is associated with a reduction in LDL levels, thereby reducing the absorption of cholesterol and lipids from the food we consume into the bloodstream, and subsequently reducing the risk of CVD and stroke. How can tea help to regulate blood pressure? The endothelium (inner wall of blood vessels) plays a role in regulating blood pressure as it modulates the constriction (narrowing) and dilation (widening) of blood vessels. Dysfunction of this layer, with age or otherwise, could result in an increase in blood pressure, which then becomes a predisposition to CVD and stroke. Tea is rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to improve endothelial function, which would help to maintain healthy blood pressure, and subsequently lower the risk of developing CVD and stroke. How can tea help to lower blood sugar levels? Elevated blood glucose levels can, over time, cause damage to different organs including the heart and blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of CVD and stroke. While Type 1 diabetes has a genetic predisposition, Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by inefficient insulin function or excessive absorption of glucose from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. Studies show that tea consumption can improve the effectiveness of insulin, while also reducing or regulating the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This thereby reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, subsequently lowering the risk of CVD and stroke. How can tea help to reduce blood clotting? Platelet cells are involved in the blood clotting process in our body. The unwarranted formation and circulation of blood clots can lead to blockage of arteries and increase the risk of CVD and stroke. Tea has been found to reduce this risk by interfering with the clotting process of platelets, thereby lowering the potential for CVD and stroke. How can tea help to reduce oxidative stress? Oxidative stress – high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals (FR) in the bloodstream – can increase plaque formation in arteries, which can lead to CVD and stroke. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which neutralise ROS and FR, thereby reducing oxidative stress and subsequently lowering the risk of CVD and stroke. How can tea help to reduce inflammation? While inflammation is an essential immunological process, chronic inflammation can lead to an increase in oxidative stress and contribute towards plaque formation in arteries. These, in turn, could cause CVD and stroke. Polyphenols in tea have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, thereby countering the potential effects of inflammation and subsequently lowering the risk of CVD and stroke. Considering the trove of scientific information that we have tried to summarise here, we can say with a large degree of certainty that the consumption of tea can help to lower the risk of incidence of CVD and stroke. You can learn more about the health benefits related to tea drinking in Prof. Tissa Amarakoon’s comprehensive compilation – Tea and Your Health.
Rosehip & Hibiscus – a Luscious, Healthy Brew
Dilmah’s Rosehip & Hibiscus Natural Infusion has quite the demand among consumers. Not only is it a popular choice of purchase in its original form, but it is also enjoyed in the form of various beverages by visitors to our t-Lounges around the world. Uplifting aroma and sweet-tangy fruity flavour aside, there are several health benefits associated with both rosehip and hibiscus that may also be contributory factors to the popularity of this brew. Rosehip Rosehip is the small but potent fruit of wild rose plants (Rosa canina). They are orange-red, bulbous fruits that develop after the petals of the flowers have fallen. They are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, and have been used for generations in traditional medicine by indigenous people around the world. The rosehip fruit is rich in vitamins (principally vitamin C), antioxidants and other minerals. Possible health benefits linked to rosehip include: Hibiscus Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also commonly referred to as roselle, is a tropical flowering plant, whose flower’s fleshy red calyx is the main constituent in hibiscus tea. Hibiscus, too, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and is a popular ingredient in Western Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. While it does contain trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, what is more significant is its high content of antioxidants – principally polyphenols. Health benefits linked to hibiscus include: Dilmah Rosehip & Hibiscus Natural Infusion Considering all of these characteristics pertaining to rosehip and hibiscus, there is certainly more reason than solely enjoyment to dive into a steaming cup or chilled mug of Dilmah Rosehip & Hibiscus Natural Infusion! If you’d like to get your hands on some, the infusion is available for purchase in both loose leaf and tea bag form. For those of you living in and around Colombo, you can enjoy the innovative Dilmah Rosehip & Hibiscus Natural Infusion-inspired beverages at any of our t-Lounge by Dilmah outlets, which offer the infusion for purchase as well. There might also be some of you who enjoy the occasional culinary adventure… If so, Tea Inspired has a few intriguing ideas that incorporate this luscious natural infusion into unique food and beverage recipes. Rosehip and Hibiscus Macaron, Rosehip and Hibiscus-infused Raspberry Chocolate Swiss Roll, Rosehip and Hibiscus Sorbet, Honey Hibiscus Garden Mocktail, Vodka Rosehip Double t-Shot, and Rosehip and Hibiscus with Pink Ginger Beer t-Mocktail are just a few that you could try your hand at. Do Try It!
Finding Kith and Kin in a Foreign Land
This image may not be all that impressive. However, the context of it certainly is. Most of you might be familiar with the feeling of excitement and sense of pride that comes with seeing a product from your homeland in another part of the world. Particularly somewhere you least expect to find it. It’s like finding kith and kin in a foreign land. So, picture this. You’re a Sri Lankan, sitting in one of the most populated resto-cafés in Bled, Slovenia, surrounded by hundreds of tourists, with not a fellow Sri Lankan in sight. So busy is the vast café terrace that you’ve had to wait a fair amount of time to be seated, and have to share the table with a couple of other foreigners. Tourists – in bus loads – are here to visit the iconic Bled Castle and take in the beauty of Lake Bled in its awe-inspiring surroundings, with the Julian Alps casually sitting around in the backdrop. Most of the folk at the café are here to get a taste of the highly-acclaimed Bled Cream Cake (apparently Sava Hotel in Kavarna Park serves the most authentic). You have a penchant for Earl Grey tea, and so order a cup to go with the cake. Someone else orders a green tea with mint. Your order arrives. You definitely didn’t see this coming… There’s a Dilmah Silver Jubilee Gourmet Earl Grey Tea sachet and a Dilmah Vivid Gently Minty Green Tea sachet in front of you – with teacups and saucers that read, ‘Dilmah – The Single Origin Tea’. Imagine the pleasant surprise and humble pride that wells up at seeing such a familiar piece of home, nearly 5,000 miles away from home. It’s like finding kith and kin in a foreign land. Not many of these people knew much about Sri Lanka, but they were enjoying the finest of Ceylon tea. Dilmah Silver Jubilee Gourmet Teas include a stellar array of 11 of Dilmah’s most loved brews, specially created to celebrate 25 years of goodness presented to the world by Dilmah Ceylon Tea. The collection encompasses some of the more classic teas such as Ceylon Original Breakfast, Earl Grey, Pure Darjeeling and Nuwara Eliya Afternoon teas, as well as more vivacious brews such as Ginger, Honey & Mint Black Tea, Mandarin & Marzipan Black Tea, and Blood Orange & Eucalyptus Infusion. You can browse through the entire Silver Jubilee Gourmet repertoire here. Dilmah Vivid is another gourmet collection of teas which, as the name suggests, has been created to bring a touch of vibrancy to the table – and a burst of colour onto your palate. Each of the teas aims to create a personal connection with the drinker through its unique characteristics. The Gently Minty Green Tea that was served in Bled was a beautiful mix of calming steamed sencha green tea, pepped up with spearmint and a touch of lemongrass. Equally intriguing are Springtime Oolong with Ginger, Ceylon Tea with Pomegranate & Mint, Ceylon Tea with Chocolate & Mint, and the Natural Lemon Verbena Infusion. You can have a look through the entire assortment of Vivid teas here. Have you had a similar experience, coming across our beloved Dilmah Ceylon Tea in a place that you least expected? If so, we’d love to hear about it. Do share your story with us in the comments or on socials.
A Cuppa from Ceylon Above the Clouds
There are partnerships, and then there are partnerships. The bond between Emirates Airline and Dilmah Ceylon Tea is one such partnership that took off over three decades ago. Having served their first cup of Dilmah back in 1992, the multi-award-winning airline continues to serve a selection of twelve Dilmah favourites to their passengers, 33 years later – a time span that minnows even the iconic A380 aircraft’s mammoth wing span! With an average of 33 million cups of Dilmah tea being poured out across Emirates’ cabins and lounges in a year, it is beyond apparent that this partnership is built on a strong foundation of trust and understanding. Both Dilmah and Emirates are internationally appreciated brands that are determined to leave their consumers with a lingering taste of satisfaction. The mutual recognition and respect for each other’s shared values has enabled the establishment of a partnership that has overcome challenging phases over the years, including economic recessions and the recent COVID-19 pandemic which brought global travel to a standstill. From Emirates Group Head Quarters in Dubai, UAE to the Dilmah Tea Head Office in Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka, there is much admiration between the two companies for their shared philosophies. Product/service quality is of paramount importance to both, with Emirates determined to give its passengers a ‘Fly Better’ experience, and Dilmah – in late Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s words – set to ‘Make the World a Better Tea’. Likewise, both brands are heavily involved in giving back to the community, too, through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the MJF Charitable Foundation, respectively. It seems only fitting, therefore, that Dilmah has created a unique Emirates Signature Tea that culminates a long-standing bond between the two entities. The exclusive tea is served to the airline’s First Class passengers, and is a combination of Dombagastalawa Estate Ceylon FBOP1 tea with safflower and marigold flowers, scented with rose, ginger and almond. Whether you’re looking to wind down and catch up on some rest, or to reawaken your senses after a nap, the incredible aromatic combination is capable of both rejuvenation and relaxation. It is best enjoyed without milk or sugar, although it does pair well with the little sweet treats that Emirates’ hospitable crew might offer. This year (2025), in celebration of International Tea Day on 21st May, passengers travelling across all cabins on Emirates flights over 2.5 hours received a gift pack of three Dilmah Teas – Emirates Signature Tea, Moroccan Mint Green Tea and Black Tea with Strawberry. First and Business Class customers were also treated to specially-crafted Dilmah Tea-inspired mocktails and cocktails at Emirates Lounges internationally. It was a celebration not just of the finest tea in the world, but also of a fine partnership that has taken quality Ceylon tea and in-flight hospitality across borders, to newer and greater heights – literally and metaphorically. So, here’s raising a cuppa to a perfectly-brewed partnership between Emirates Airline and Dilmah Ceylon Tea, for many more decades to come!
A Cup of Kindness for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Dilmah is no stranger to sharing kindness for a worthy cause, particularly in relation to cancer care and treatment. At home in Sri Lanka, Dilmah has a close, long-standing association with Suwa Arana, the first-ever paediatric palliative care facility in Sri Lanka. As you might have seen in previous blog posts, Dilmah is also a supporter of the Government’s programme, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Colombo, to work towards eradicating cervical cancer from Sri Lanka by the year 2030. So, it was only natural for Dilmah to share this cup of kindness beyond Sri Lankan shores and try to help those affected by cancer in Australia as well. For the past 32 years, Cancer Council Australia has raised over AUD 200 million through its iconic Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT) community fundraiser programme. Over half-a-million Australians have partaken in this, by hosting and organising morning teas to raise funds for cancer research, detection, prevention, care and support. Considering that 1 in 2 Australians is affected by cancer in some way or form, the impact of ABMT is not only life-saving for patients, but also life-changing for their families. As of July 2025, Dilmah has joined hands with Cancer Council Australia in a five-year partnership to support ABMT. Dilmah Chairman Dilhan C. Fernando shared his thoughts on this, stating, “Our partnership with Cancer Council highlights Dilmah’s commitment to Australians impacted by cancer. Forty years ago, my father envisaged a business that serves humanity with kindness to people and nature. Today we strive to offer cups of kindness through our Dilmah tea.” In brewing this ‘cup of kindness’, the partnership directly reflects the philosophy of our late Founder Merrill J. Fernando that ‘business is a matter of human service’. It is also, in a sense, a token of appreciation to Dilmah’s Australian family – its consumers who embraced the brand since it was first introduced to the country in 1985. In fact, Australia was the first international market that enjoyed MJF’s beloved Single Origin Dilmah Ceylon Tea. For those impacted by cancer, every minute counts. For those doing research into cancer, every dollar counts. That is why we, at Dilmah, are determined to make every cuppa count. If you’re reading this from Australia (or have family and friends in Australia), visit https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/ to find out how you can support our collaborative effort in the fight against cancer.
POV: Moroccan Mint Green Tea in Your Drink
It’s rare to come across someone who doesn’t enjoy Moroccan Mint Green Tea – which is why we thought of sharing a few tea-inspired beverage recipes that use Dilmah Pure Ceylon Green Tea with Moroccan Mint as their base. There are countless ways in which to incorporate this refreshing tea into cocktails, mocktails, shakes, and so much more. Here are four recipes that we hope will add a bit of versatility and new perspective on how you can enjoy your Dilmah Moroccan Mint Green Tea. Do give them a shot, and share your experience with us in the comments. RECIPE 1: Cucumber and Moroccan Mint Ice Cubes (tea-inspired ice cubes) Use these sassy ice cubes to pep up any chilled tea, infusion or mild beverage of your choice. We think they’re a fabulous idea when hosting, too. What you need: How to prepare: RECIPE 2: Minty Turmeric Tea (tea-inspired immunity booster) Flu season seems to last all-year-round in this post-COVID era! It’s always a good idea to give your immunity a natural boost every now and then. Here’s something that could work well. What you need: How to prepare: RECIPE 3: Coconut Green Tea (tea-inspired tropical mocktail) Here’s a tropical temptation that we think would cool anyone down on a warm summer day. What you need: How to prepare: RECIPE 4: Moroccan Mint Tea Latte(tea-inspired gourmet mocktail) This one’s for those of you who like to be a little more adventurous in the kitchen – or rather, at the counter. What you need: How to prepare: There are plenty more Dilmah Moroccan Mint Green Tea and other tea-inspired recipes of varying complexity for you to try out at teasinspired.com. Dilmah Moroccan Mint Green Tea is available for purchase at Dilmah Tea Boutiques, t-Lounge by Dilmah outlets and at our online shop.