NEWS

Nildalukande Tea Factory – A Legacy of Excellence in Ceylon Tea

Established in 1891, the Nildalukande Tea Factory stands as one of Sri Lanka’s historically significant tea manufacturing institutions, with more than a century of uninterrupted contribution to the nation’s tea heritage. Originally built for the production of orthodox black tea, the factory carries a rich legacy, including a notable visit in 1953 by the then Prime Minister, Hon. Dudley Senanayake, marking its importance in the country’s agricultural and industrial landscape.

Throughout its long history, the factory has changed ownership only five times. A major milestone occurred in 2010, when Walters Bay acquired the facility. Under new management, Nildalukande underwent an extensive modernization process and was transformed into a state-of-the-art CTC Black Tea processing center, equipped with modern technologies and industry-leading quality systems.

Nestled in the scenic hills of the Kandy District, at an elevation of approximately 470 meters above sea level, the factory is surrounded by lush mountains and picturesque landscapes. The closest major town, Gampola, once served as the capital of Sri Lanka during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV, adding cultural significance to the region in which the factory proudly operates.

In 2010, Nildalukande Tea Factory achieved global recognition by becoming the world’s first FSSC 22000:2010 Certified CTC Black Tea Manufacturing Facility, reinforcing its reputation for superior quality, food safety, and operational excellence. Today, the factory produces premium CTC Ceylon Black Tea, processing nearly 20,000 kilograms of green leaf per day, sourced from over 1,000 smallholder growers. The facility also provides stable employment to more than 60 individuals from surrounding villages, contributing meaningfully to rural livelihood development.

With its blend of historic roots, cutting-edge manufacturing, and deep community engagement, the Nildalukande Tea Factory continues to exemplify the finest traditions of Ceylon tea production while embracing innovation for the future.

We are proud to announce that Nildalukande Tea Factory has been honoured with the prestigious ……………………………….. at the Asia Awards powered by the World Research Congress.

This recognition is a remarkable achievement for us and reflects our continuous commitment to uplifting our community, supporting our valued tea smallholders, and maintaining the highest standards in sustainable and responsible manufacturing.

Receiving this award is truly a humbling moment. It inspires us to continue our journey with even greater dedication and passion, ensuring that our efforts create a positive and lasting impact on both our people and the environment.

A heartfelt thank you to our hardworking team, our loyal growers, and everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. This milestone belongs to all of you.