Steeped in Legacy, Brewed for the Future: Browns Plantations Sets the Global Benchmark for Ceylon Tea

For over 150 years, Browns Plantations has stood as a proud sentinel of Sri Lanka’s legendary tea heritage. As the world’s leading exporter and producer of Ceylon Tea, the company continues to innovate while staying rooted in tradition. In this exclusive media interview with Wijeya newspaper, Ashan Fernando, Head of Marketing at Browns Plantations, shares bold insights on their strategy, sustainability efforts, market expansion, and what’s brewing next.

- Browns Plantations Head of Marketing Ashan Fernando

Browns has been a key player in preserving Sri Lanka’s global tea reputation. What’s next to uphold and elevate this legacy?

At Browns, legacy isn’t just a word—it’s a mission. We’re committed to producing natural, pesticideminimised tea for our global buyers, while ensuring our workforce thrives. From introducing Personal Protection Kits for our staff to winning the “Most Popular Corporate Website” award, we’re setting new benchmarks. Our youthful leadership adds a modern edge, driving innovation while honouring our 150-year-old legacy. Today, we're proud to be the world’s largest tea exporter and Sri Lanka’s No.1 tea producer.

What's your strategy for growth and diversification moving forward?

Back in 2021, we operated just three plantations. Fast forward to today, and that number has grown to five, following two strategic acquisitions with Tea Small Holders from John Keells Holdings and Pussellawa Plantations from Damro. These moves weren’t just about expansion but was more about strengthening our footprint, diversifying our terroirs, and gaining access to distinct microclimates that elevate our tea profiles. By the end of 2025, our goal is to capture at least 10% of the tea market share in every country we serve. That means scaling our local production to 25 million kilograms of tea annually. For us, this is not just about growth, it’s about smart, sustainable, and impactful growth that reinforces Browns Plantations as a global force in tea.

How do you maintain quality and authenticity while catering to global demand?