Twenty-five years ago, Empire Teas began as a small Sri Lankan company with a big dream, to share the finest Ceylon tea with the world. Today, its brands, from Hyson and Thurson to Akina and Tea Avenue, are not just products on a shelf. They are experiences, stories, and traditions carried across continents.
“Our passion for tea is reflected in every brand we’ve created,” says Lushantha de Silva, Founder & Managing Director of Empire. “But our journey isn’t just about our brands. It’s about yours too. We’re honoured to be the strength behind so many unique tea brands. Thank you for placing your trust in us.”
For some, that trust spans decades. Dr. Narayan from Russia, one of the first to import Hyson, has worked with Empire for 22 years. “What I like about Empire is their consistency in quality and supply. They treat the customer not like a customer, but as a partner.”
That sentiment is echoed by Olga from Russia, who has partnered with Empire for over two decades. “There are many reasons why we continue working with Empire. We have a great relationship with the whole team. Empire and we are friends.”
In Gambia, Mohammed calls Empire’s resilience and reliability “admirable,” adding, “We look forward to celebrating their golden, diamond, and platinum anniversaries with them.”
This year, Empire celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of heartfelt events. The celebrations began at home, surrounded by the heartbeat of the Empire. It’s dedicated staff. It was a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and camaraderie, honouring the people whose skill, passion, and loyalty have been the foundation of every success.
Soon after, Colombo welcomed distinguished guests from across the world. They were greeted with a warm Sri Lankan welcome and an experience carefully woven to reflect the soul of the island. The days unfolded with visits to Empire’s head office, blending and packaging facilities, and intimate moments with the teams behind each cup of tea.
Outside the boardroom, guests explored the lush landscapes of scenic tea plantations, the timeless streets of Galle Fort, and the rhythms of Sri Lanka’s heritage through traditional cultural dances, drummers, and performances that echoed the island’s spirit.
The festivities culminated in a grand Gala Dinner, a night of laughter, stories, and shared pride. It was more than a celebration of Empire’s 25th anniversary. It was a celebration of enduring partnerships, mutual trust, and friendships that have been steeped slowly, like a perfect brew, over time.
As Empire looks ahead, it looks forward to nurturing friendships and honouring the trust that has been carefully poured into every cup over the past quarter-century.
