Tea. Re-imagined

The challenge that brewed a renaissance

The Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge commenced in 2007, in partnership with the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), when Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando felt that the High Tea occasion -which was originally crafted around tea- had lost its affinity with its origins. He felt that tea had been relegated to the bottom of a menu overcrowded with the traditional high tea fare that lacked inspiration, originality and, most importantly, any connection to tea. A passionate tea grower who worked tirelessly to share the joy of ‘real’ tea with tea lovers around the world, he vowed to put the ‘tea’ back in High Tea. Thus the Dilmah Real High Tea revolution was born.

Since then Dilmah has passionately pursued to bring the full, true potential of tea as an essential ingredient in modern gastronomy and mixology. Dilmah’s involvement with Real High Tea is a testament of their commitment to championing tea gastronomy and tea mixology, taking it to the culinary innovators and gastronomes of today. This has given new meaning to the renaissance of tea creating a new affinity between the culinary and hospitality industry and tea.

Ceylon took tea to the world. Dilmah tea has shaken the big world out there. Every effort, every investment placed behind Dilmah tea is with no personal interest, no personal gain, but for the country’s gain and for the industry’s gain.

- Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando