Dilmah Unveils Premium Thambapanni Tea Collection Inspired by Sri Lanka’s Heritage in India

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

See Full Bio

August 25, 2026 23:15 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

Dilmah, the forerunner of Single Origin Ceylon Tea, has now introduced its Thambapanni Luxury Collection exclusively crafted for the Indian market. Founder, Dilhan C. Fernando, and his son, Amrit, presented the collection at initiation events exclusively for Leading figures of the luxury hospitality and Tea connoisseurs from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Designed specifically for India’s luxury hospitality sector, the Thambapanni Luxury Collection reflects Dilmah’s legacy as a grower-owned tea brand committed to purity, authentic provenance, exceptional taste and responsible business practices. The collection represents a refined tea experience that connects craftsmanship, heritage and ethical values with the evolving preferences of India’s premium consumers.

The launch marks an important step in Dilmah’s renewed expansion strategy in India, with Thambapanni being introduced through a carefully curated, hospitality-focused distribution approach. The collection will be available exclusively through selected luxury hotels, speciality cafés and fine dining establishments across the country. Fresh & Honest has been appointed as Dilmah’s distribution partner in India.

Operating across more than 105 countries worldwide, Dilmah has established itself as a leading name in premium tea by combining exceptional quality with memorable tea-inspired hospitality experiences. Remaining true to its identity as a family-owned business, the company continues to uphold the values established by its founder, the late Merrill J. Fernando, who launched Dilmah in 1985 and pioneered the Single Origin Tea concept.

Dilmah became the world’s first producer-owned tea brand, controlling the complete tea-making process from cultivation and handpicking to manufacturing and packaging at the source. This approach allows the brand to preserve freshness, authenticity and the unique character of Ceylon Tea. Since 2001, Dilmah has also expanded into Ceylon Cinnamon cultivation, further strengthening its commitment to naturally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

The name Thambapanni carries a deep historical connection between India and Sri Lanka. It refers to the ancient name given to Sri Lanka by Prince Vijaya and his followers when they arrived on the island in 543 BC. According to tradition, after stepping onto the shores near Mannar, their hands became covered with the island’s distinctive copper-coloured soil, inspiring the name Thambapanni, meaning “copper-coloured palms”.

Developed through 12 months of extensive tasting, testing and refinement, the collection showcases Dilmah’s dedication to creating distinctive tea experiences. Each tea and infusion has been carefully crafted to highlight the natural character, origin and quality of every tea leaf, spice and botanical ingredient.

The Thambapanni Luxury Collection brings together heritage, innovation and luxury hospitality, offering Indian consumers a premium tea journey shaped by centuries of connection between Sri Lanka’s tea traditions and modern global hospitality.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of Dilmah, said, “There is a revolution happening in India – the food culture is transformed by a new generation that demands purity, sustainability, authenticity, wellness, heritage and indulgence. Tea has all that and more. Our proposition for India is conditioned by my family’s uncompromising commitment to the culture, art and science of teamaking, and our emphasis on tea inspired innovation and wellness. These are all framed in Thambapanni, the ancient connection between India and Sri Lanka,. We created these teas exclusively for India. Each ingredient is perfected by us and made in India; it is an invitation to Indian consumers to experience tea differently and to appreciate the provenance, indulgence and kindness in every cup.”

Dilmah’s vision is built around a powerful belief that every cup of tea represents both compassion and a commitment to challenging industry norms. The company’s philosophy, inspired by founder Merrill J. Fernando, rejects the idea of treating tea as a simple commodity and focuses instead on respecting the people who cultivate it, protecting nature and preserving authenticity. The launch of the Thambapanni Luxury Collection reflects this long-standing purpose while connecting with India’s tea landscape, which faces many similar challenges to Sri Lanka’s industry. It also showcases the passion, craftsmanship and dedication of a family that has spent decades perfecting the art of tea making.

At the core of Dilmah’s identity is the founder’s vision of using business as a force for positive change. This philosophy focuses on kindness towards communities and the environment. Today, under the guidance of Merrill J. Fernando’s second and third generations, Dilmah continues this mission by allocating 15% of its pre-tax profits towards initiatives that support people and protect nature through the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation.

The Thambapanni Luxury Collection plays a central role in Dilmah’s mission to enhance the global appreciation of premium teas, highlighting their unique flavours, wellness qualities and their ability to complement fine cuisine and beverages. Through this collection, Dilmah brings four decades of expertise in creating luxury tea experiences across international hospitality markets to India.

Rooted in family values, heritage and responsible business practices, Dilmah aims to create a stronger connection with India’s evolving tea culture while maintaining the principles of quality, authenticity and purpose that have defined the brand since its beginning.