Imperial Teas Group celebrates success as ‘Most Outstanding Exporter’

Thursday, 11 November 2010 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Imperial Tea Exports, one of the largest exporters of tea in the country, celebrated the company’s recent success in winning prestigious awards amidst a distinguished gathering. The gala celebrations that included cocktails and fellowship at the Hilton Colombo sought to show appreciation to all those who supported the company in its journey towards this honour.

Minister of Plantation Industries Mahinda Samarasinghe graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prominent persons from the Board of Investment, Sri Lanka Tea Board, leading bankers, shipping and tea companies as well as tea brokers and staff of Imperial Teas Group were present at the occasion.

Imperial Tea Exports received the ‘Most Outstanding Exporter of the Year’ at the 18th NCE Awards Ceremony held in September this year. The company also walked away with the award for the ‘Best Sri Lankan Brand Exporter’ for 2009, becoming the first company to receive both these accolades in the same year.

Minister Samarasinghe congratulating Imperial Tea Exports on their achievement said: “Over the years, Imperial Tea Exports has won many awards and we can proudly say that Imperial Tea has come to a position which is the envy of a lot of others in the trade. This journey, I’m sure has been difficult for you. Today, Imperial Tea is among the six largest exporters in Sri Lanka.” The Minister also commended the visionary leadership of the company’s top management, the strength and dynamism of the team and the commitment to produce high-quality products, which enabled this success.

Dickie Juriansz, Chairman of Imperial Tea Exports expressed his appreciation to government institutions, embassies, bankers, suppliers and others who directly supported the company in their endeavours. “The team at Imperial actually received the award, but we would not have got it if not for the support services all you gentlemen and ladies provided. We are very grateful to you for this support. Therefore, we thought it opportune to have a celebration and say thank you to all for supporting us.”

“We are within the top five in packeted Tea Exports and we are one of the biggest Sri Lankan Brand Exporters and the largest value added Tea exporter to Russia. We have a presence in Russia, Dubai, Australia, China, USA and Kenya with our representative offices. As our main focus is on Brand Marketing, our Company is actively involved in brand promotions and brand building campaigns in our target markets,” added Jayantha Karunaratne, Managing Director of Imperial Tea Exports.

Ilanga Karunaratne, Finance Director of Imperial Tea Exports attributed the success of the award to the commitment and hard work of the team at Imperial Tea Exporters, while Kolitha Weerakoon, Director – Marketing and Shipping of Imperial Tea Exports said that the award would help customers gain more confidence in the brand.

Last but not least the pivotal role played by Director Abhaya Gurusinghe cannot be overlooked, not only in coping with the rapid expansion in production but ensuring quality consistency which enabled the brand to expand its customer base.

With a recorded annual export turnover of over US$ 61 million the company boasts of a loyal clientele from a wide range of export markets across the globe such as Russia, Iran, Dubai, USA, Canada, Europe, China, Australia, Japan and the Middle East.