The Birth of a Promise

In the early days of the Sri Lankan tea industry, Ceylon tea was a commodity, blended and traded far from its origins, losing its soul and exploiting its growers.

A young man named Merrill J. Fernando sought to change this paradigm, returning the heart of tea back to its homeland. In 1985, Dilmah was born, the world's first producer-owned tea brand that gave tea lovers single-origin, unblended Ceylon tea crafted true to quality.

Our journey began not in a boardroom, but in the soil of Ceylon. We are farmers first, driven by an unyielding commitment to quality and purpose.

Philosophy

“Business is a matter of human service.”

The Founder

Merrill J. Fernando

“Tea should be made with love, integrity, and a commitment to do good. It is not merely a product — it is a promise to those who grow it, and to those who drink it.”

Born in 1930, Merrill J. Fernando, the young Sri Lankan who set out to make the world a better tea, became known as the world's Tea Maker for his invincible faith and relentless commitment to his beloved Ceylon Tea.

Against the advice of business experts, Merrill launched Dilmah in 1985 with an uncompromising vision: tea picked, perfected, and packed at origin. No blending. No dilution. Just pure Ceylon tea. This vision set Dilmah apart in taste, goodness, and in the hearts of tea lovers around the world.

Beyond great taste, he believed his tea should serve humanity and nature. He established the MJF Foundation and Dilmah Conservation, dedicating a portion of profits to empower communities and protect nature.

His success gave hope to artisans and producers around the world, and today, his Dilmah has touched the lives of millions through education, entrepreneurship development, nutrition, care for people with disabilities, and other projects by the MJF Charitable Foundation, as well as the environmental impact of Dilmah Conservation. His legacy is one of quality, kindness, and an unwavering belief in doing what is right.

Today, for generations to come, the same pledge of quality, care, and commitment is carried forward.

Our Vision

We believe in the transformative power of Tea

Every cup of our Tea presents our respect for Nature, as the source of Taste and Goodness, and our uncompromising commitment to Quality, Integrity and Purpose. Our family business has its genesis in our Founder's devotion to Tea, burnished by a heart of Kindness.

We stand firm with the same dedication to delivering great Taste and natural Goodness with Kindness. We honour the legacy of Merrill J. Fernando, in pursuit of our mission to positively impact People and Nature.

Every sip of Dilmah Tea is an assurance of compassion, hope, and a better world for present and future generations.

We are Team Dilmah, one Team, united by one Vision, and working towards one Purpose. We continue our Founder's mission. We are making a stand.