Sri Lanka’s tea industry showed strong signs of recovery in April 2025, with production reaching 26.39 million kilograms—a 23% increase from 21.46 million kgs in April 2024, according to official data. This boost of 4.93 million kgs reflects renewed momentum across all elevations—High, Mid, and Low Grown—signalling a broad-based sector recovery.
Compared to April 2023’s 25.24 million kgs, the 2025 April output also marks a modest increase of 1.15 million kgs. Cumulatively, tea production for the first four months of 2025 stood at 88.38 million kgs. This is a notable rise of 8.65 million kgs from the 79.73 million recorded during the same period last year and up 3.63 million kgs compared to the January–April 2023 total of 84.75 million.
While High and Mid Grown teas maintained their upward momentum, the Low Grown segment and Green Tea category showed slight declines compared to 2023.
Coinciding with this positive industry performance, Emirates and Sri Lanka’s Dilmah Tea are celebrating International Tea Day on 21 May with a global tribute to tea culture and sustainability. Marking a successful 33-year partnership and over 33 million cups of tea served annually, Emirates will present a complimentary box of luxury Dilmah teas to all customers on flights over 2.5 hours.
The gift box includes a trio of Dilmah’s most celebrated blends: the Emirates Signature Tea—Dombagastalawa FBOP1 scented with rose, almond, and ginger; Moroccan Mint Green Tea, known for its calming properties; and Ceylon Tea with strawberry, embodying joy and refreshment.
In Emirates Lounges around the world, First and Business Class customers will enjoy Dilmah tea cocktails and mocktails paired with artisanal desserts. In Dubai, exclusive offerings include a Dilmah Elixir cocktail alongside coconut vanilla cake, lemon cake, and apple tart.
From 15 to 31 May, passengers flying from Dubai to the UK will also receive tea pairing tips from trained Emirates cabin crew as part of a refined Afternoon Tea service in premium classes.
Emirates’ commitment to tea goes far beyond inflight service. The airline’s cabin crew undergo specialised tea training, learning to brew the perfect cup, understand the sustainable origins of Dilmah tea, and pair teas with food. Green teas are recommended with seafood and sushi, black teas with red meat and desserts, and floral teas with citrus-based dishes like Emirates’ vegan zucchini tart.
International Tea Day, recognized by the UN as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underscores tea’s global importance for rural development and sustainability. Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Dilmah brings socio-economic benefits to Sri Lanka’s tea industry and plantation communities, while elevating global appreciation for ethical tea sourcing.
As the island’s tea output rises and its global partnerships flourish, Sri Lanka’s tea sector is brewing up a bright future—one cup at a time.
