The founder and President of Ceylon Tea Company Ltd, Nalin (Neil) Wijesekera, has always been a lover of tea although it has not always been his vocation. In fact when he migrated from Sri Lanka to Canada 22 years ago, he focused his energies on the computer industry, eventually starting up his own successful computer business. But the love of tea he had since childhood never left him and he finally found a way to turn that into a second business venture. According to Mr. Wijesekera, “I basically grew up in a tea garden at home, so I had the knowledge about how tea is grown and processed, and I developed my business skills here (in Canada) so I had no reservations about going into the tea business.”

Tea drinkers are already well aware of Ceylon tea. The island nation of Sri Lanka may be small, but it is a big player in the global tea industry. In fact, Sri Lankan is the largest tea exporter in the world accounting for some 20 per cent of all tea traded. And Ceylon tea is commonly used to enhance blends from other regions.

Mr. Wijesekera took two years to plan the launch of his “SilverTips” Brand Tea, getting to know the business of selecting and importing while refining things like packaging and distribution. In order to differentiate his product from the typical grocery store bagged tea, he decided to market tea bags containing only 100 per cent Ceylon tea. Most packaged tea contains only about 10 per cent Ceylon tea, which is blended with other varieties from other countries. As a result, “SilverTips” Brand Tea produces a smoother, lighter-tasting sweet tea that doesn’t get bitter if it is brewed the full 2-3 minutes recommended for tea. Says Mr. Wijesekera: “I liken it to a single-malt whiskey; it isn’t blended with other grades of tea, like most Orange Pekoe teas are. Our goal is to offer a quality tea in a tea bag that comes directly from the source. Most people don’t know this, but most of the tea on grocery shelves in Canada travels through brokers in England, and the U.S. before it ever gets here (in Canada). That can take one-and-a-half to two years. Our tea comes directly from Sri Lanka.”

Flavours they presently carry include Orange Pekoe (black tea), Pure Jasmine Green Tea, Earl Grey and Lemon Flavour Chamomile. Their customer base consists primarily of hotels, restaurants, caterers, cafes, speciality shops and retirement homes. Their tea is found in some retail stores but it can be purchased directly by contacting the company or over the internet.
(Source: Coffee & Beverage Magazine, Frank Condron, Winter 2003/4)