Sri Lanka’s internationally recognised Bogawantalawa Tea has officially entered Tamimi Markets, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading hypermarket chains, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of premium Ceylon Tea across the Middle East. The launch ceremony was held in Riyadh on 9 July and highlighted the growing demand for Sri Lankan tea in one of its key export destinations.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, inaugurated the launch and described Saudi Arabia as one of the most important overseas markets for Ceylon Tea. He said the introduction of Bogawantalawa Tea represented another step forward in strengthening the presence of premium Sri Lankan products in the Kingdom. Ambassador Ajwad also proposed establishing a dedicated Sri Lanka Corner at Tamimi Markets to showcase a broader range of premium Sri Lankan exports, reflecting the steady growth of bilateral trade.
Lalith Kumar Ambani, Co Chairman of Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon, introduced the Ceylon Tea Gardens brand, highlighting its reputation for exceptional quality, distinctive flavour, freshness and a heritage spanning more than a century. He said the partnership with Tamimi Markets would allow consumers throughout Saudi Arabia to experience authentic premium Ceylon Tea.
Director and Chief Executive Officer Almas Marikkar outlined the company’s diverse product portfolio and its commitment to sustainability and the welfare of estate communities, while Anne Ranasinghe, Marketing Manager for the Middle East and Asia, presented the brand’s heritage and international vision. Representatives of Tamimi Markets reaffirmed their commitment to offering world class products, reinforcing the retailer’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s premium tea industry and creating new opportunities for future export growth.
