Dilmah

In the world of tea, the name Dilmah stands out for its global quality and excellent taste from authentic Ceylon tea. However, behind this success lies a story of fighting for justice within the tea industry. Dilmah was founded in 1988 by Merrill J. Fernando, a tea planter often called "the most experienced tea taster in the world." Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to delve into the fascinating history of this brand.

A Start Fueled by Injustice in the Tea Industry

The story of Dilmah began with the sense of injustice Merrill J. Fernando experienced in the tea industry. Around 70 years ago, when Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) was under British imperial rule, vital agricultural sectors like tea plantations were controlled and monopolized by multinational corporations, leading to an unfair business landscape.

But in 1950, after Sri Lanka gained independence and became a republic, the tea industry in Sri Lanka reached a turning point. Merrill was selected as one of the first Sri Lankans to travel to London to learn about tea tasting, tea trading, and various marketing aspects at a world-renowned tea institute.

Monopoly and Exploitation : The Root of Determination

During his time at the institute, Merrill discovered a shocking truth: Britain had created a system that unfairly exploited Sri Lanka. Tea workers in Sri Lanka received meager wages despite their arduous labor in cultivating tea, while merchants in London sold Sri Lankan tea at exorbitant prices, reaping massive profits.

Furthermore, London merchants sought to cut costs by blending tea leaves from other regions with high-quality Sri Lankan tea. They would then label it under their own brands and sell it at inflated prices, claiming it was authentic Ceylon or Sri Lankan tea, as Ceylon tea was then recognized as a high-quality and highly sought-after commodity.

Merrill felt that what he witnessed was deeply unfair. He believed that the actions of the London merchants not only exploited consumers but also took advantage of the hardworking Sri Lankan tea growers and laborers.

The Birth of "Dilmah" : Fair Tea from Bush to Cup

From this experience, Merrill vowed that one day he would create a tea company that could compete with major global tea corporations and ensure that Sri Lankan tea growers would receive fair benefits. Thirty-five years later, in 1985, he founded Dilmah. It was the first Sri Lankan tea brand where the tea planter was also the producer of the tea at every stage, from cultivation and harvesting to packaging and export. (The brand name Dilmah was named after his two sons, Dilhan and Malik, who are now also involved in the business.)

Since its inception, Dilmah has been distinguished by its unwavering commitment to traditional tea production methods and uncompromising quality. Fine Ceylon tea leaves are meticulously hand-picked and then carefully processed down to every detail to preserve the unique flavor and characteristics of Ceylon tea.

The initial period of production was challenging for Dilmah, as it had to compete with established multinational brands with vast marketing budgets. However, with an unwavering dedication to quality, Dilmah gradually gained recognition among tea enthusiasts.

Single Origin Tea and the Philosophy of "Business is a Matter of Human Service"

Dilmah's Single Origin Tea concept is another cornerstone of its success. Dilmah exclusively uses authentic Sri Lankan tea leaves in its production, ensuring consumers experience a consistent flavor and quality, unlike other brands that often blend teas from various regions to reduce costs.

Beyond its dedication to quality, Dilmah is also deeply committed to ethical practices and sustainability. This is guided by Merrill's philosophy: Business is a matter of human service.

• Social Contribution: In 2002, Merrill established the MJF Charitable Foundation to support numerous community development projects in Sri Lanka, focusing on education, healthcare, and improving livelihoods. Its goal is to enhance the quality of life for tea workers and their families. Furthermore, Dilmah founded the Dilmah School of Tea to educate tea enthusiasts and entrepreneurs about the art of tea.
• Environmental Sustainability: Dilmah is also a pioneer in sustainable tea production. The company has initiated various projects to reduce its environmental impact, such as water and energy conservation, reforestation programs, and promoting biodiversity in tea plantations. These efforts have earned Dilmah numerous awards and certifications in sustainability and social responsibility.
  With Dilmah's unwavering commitment to quality, ethics, and sustainability, the brand has achieved tremendous success and is now enjoyed in over 100 countries worldwide. To this day, it remains a family-owned business, with Merrill's sons, Dilhan and Malik, actively involved in its operations, carrying on their father's legacy.
  
  You can find a wide variety of Dilmah teas to experience authentic world-class quality from Sri Lanka at all Rimping Supermarket branches.