Zesta Tea marks 25 years of brewing success

Top management of Sunshine Consumer Lanka 

From left: Sunshine Holdings Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam, Chairman Amal Cabraal, Deputy Chairman Vish Govindasamy, and Sunshine Consumer Lanka Director Lalith Ramanayake cutting the ceremonial 25th anniversary cake

Zesta Tea, a renowned flagship brand under Sunshine Consumer Lanka and Sri Lanka’s first brand to launch branded, export-quality tea for local tea lovers, recently marked its 25th anniversary by commemorating a legacy of quality, flavour and unmatched excellence in Sri Lanka’s tea industry. 

Held on 17 January, the celebratory event brought together employees from Zesta and leadership of Sunshine Holdings PLC, as they marked a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. 

Since its inception, Zesta has been synonymous with innovation, sophistication and an unwavering commitment to provide premium-quality tea to the Sri Lankan market. 

Emerging as a disruptor in 1998, Zesta challenged the prevailing notion that the finest teas were exclusively reserved for international markets and was the first to introduce a distinctive blend of 100% Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings (BOPF) to Sri Lankans. The brand’s visionary promise to provide Sri Lankans with the best quality tea laid the foundation in its journey to becoming a beloved household name, breaking away from conventions with bold communication strategies that won the hearts and minds of its consumers. 

Sunshine Holdings PLC Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this success, as we celebrate a remarkable 25-year journey. This milestone is made possible due to the unwavering support from our passionate teams, loyal consumers and the unmatched leadership of Vish Govindasamy, who spearheaded the launch of Zesta in 1998 and continues to guide the brand to reach newer heights.”

He further added, “The future of Zesta holds exciting prospects as we aspire to uplift Sri Lanka’s tea industry with continuous innovation and unwavering commitment. Together, we look forward to shaping the next chapter of Zesta’s legacy and further enrich the lives of tea enthusiasts, locally and internationally.” 

Over 25 years, the renowned tea brand marked numerous pivotal moments. By emphasising the exceptional quality of its BOPF blend, Zesta witnessed increased sales and strengthened consumer loyalty throughout its journey. 

Furthermore, the brand secured the Global Shangri-La chain account in 2016 and expanded its portfolio in 2022, catering to dynamic consumer preferences by introducing its Wellness Range and Zesta Red. 

These innovations stand a testament to the brand’s promise to make high quality tea more accessible, further highlighting its adaptability and commitment to stay ahead of industry trends. As the brand enters the next chapter, it remains dedicated to redefining the art of brewing perfection and providing an unparalleled Zesta experience for consumers locally and globally.