May 6 (IL) The new Ceylon Tea Promotion Unit of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo, launched its advertising and promotional program at FOODEX 2004 in Tokyo, Japan last month represented by twelve tea exporting companies.
The momentum continued with the Tea Board Office in Tokyo participating in Shanghai in March at the Sial China Fair. Eight tea exporting companies participated wooing business opportunities in China for orthodox Ceylon Black Tea. TV and press/magazine interviews were conducted at the Sri Lanka Tea Pavilion which paved the way for mileage for Ceylon Tea in the Chinese mass market segment.
Fransz Fischler, European Union Commissioner for Agriculture and Fisheries with Peter Hazelzet, Chairman of Sial China Fair visited the Sri Lanka tea pavilion and interviewed the Stand Director. An appeal was made to the EU Chief to prevail upon WTO authorities to request China to lift the non-tariff barriers involved in importing black tea to that country.
Private sector tea industry members had useful experience and contacts in China which is considered a new market for Black Tea: Akbar Brothers Ltd., Mabroc Teas (Pvt) Ltd., Senok Tea (Pvt) Ltd., Stassen Exports Ltd.,
HVA Lanka Exports Ltd., Watawala Plantations Ltd., Jafferjee Brothers and Tea Masters Ceylon Ltd. participated.
The liquid tea sampling service at the Tea Board booth utilising pure Ceylon Black Tea, flavoured Teas, Green Tea, Jasmine Tea and Lemon Tea was a successful attraction. Similarly the dry tea sachets distribution to the visitors where Black Tea was novel to many Chinese.
