In 1869 a leaf disease destroyed the island’s coffee Plantation and Estate owners looked for alternative crops. Following Taylor’s lead, they opted for tea.
The transformation from coffee to tea was fairly easy since the island had experienced planters and a well-working agricultural system. Ceylon’s tea industry witnessed a rapid expansion in the 1870s and 1880s, which brought a good deal of interest from large British companies, which took over many estates. From 400 hectares in 1875, the island’s tea area grew to 120,000 hectares by 1900. Today it covers about 220,000 hectares in the highland and southern lowland areas of the country.
Taylor made his home in Loolecondera and died 40 years later. James Taylor’s legacy is best summed up in the words of John Field, a former High Commissioner of Great Britain in Sri Lanka. He wrote; “ It can be said of very few individuals that their labor has helped to shape the landscape of a country. The beauty of the hill country as it now appears owes much to the inspiration of James Taylor, the man who introduced tea cultivation to Sri Lanka”
Head Office
Empire Teas (Pvt) Ltd.
190/1 Siri Sumana Mawatha
Kelanimulla
Angoda
Sri Lanka
TC/E/PR/1144/611
Tel. (+94) 011-2549001
Fax. (+94) 011-2549000
Email
info@empire.lk
08:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Monday to Friday)
08:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. (Alternate Saturdays)
Today, we celebrate not just a milestone but a remarkable journey that showcases our shared vision, hard work, and unwavering dedication. As we mark Empire Teas’ 24th Anniversary, let’s take a moment to reflect on where it all began.
In 2000, with a small team of just 8 passionate individuals, Empire Teas was born. Our dream was to create something exceptional in the world of tea, and from these humble beginnings, we embarked on a journey of growth and transformation.
Today, we stand tall, ranked as the 2nd largest Ceylon Tea Exporter, with two state-of-the-art warehouses and cutting-edge machinery, producing premium teas under our own brands, Hyson, Thurson, and Tea Avenue. Our luxury cafe, Tea Avenue, boasts 7 locations across the island. Our idea is to franchise in Sri Lanka and abroad. With Empire Kenya in Mombasa and our brand Akina, we offer premium African teas, providing an authentic experience. Asvida, our Ceylon Spices brand, is set to be reintroduced as Ceylon Harvest. This journey would not have been possible without our remarkable team, past and present. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment have been nothing short of inspiring.
We are also profoundly grateful to our clients, consumers, and stakeholders. Your trust, support, and belief in our vision have been instrumental in our success. Thank you for standing by us through every challenge and triumph. Your partnership has truly made a difference.
Looking to the future, our focus remains on value-added products, embracing innovation, and maintaining our commitment to sustainability. As we adapt to new technologies and continue to push boundaries, teamwork and collaboration will be key to our success. As we celebrate today, let’s honor the past and embrace the future with enthusiasm and determination. Here’s to many more years of excellence, growth, and shared success. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Cheers to 24 years of Empire Teas and to many more!
