Dilmah Tea Marks 40 Years in Australia with Gastronomic Celebration at Sydney Opera House
SYDNEY, NSW – June 20, 2025
Dilmah Tea, the renowned Sri Lankan family-owned tea company, celebrated its 40th anniversary in Australia yesterday with an exclusive and intimate gastronomic event held in the winter sun infused Yallamundi Rooms of the iconic Sydney Opera House. The day was a vibrant tribute to four decades of bringing ethically sourced, producer-owned Ceylon Tea to Australian shores, seamlessly blending culinary innovation with Dilmah’s deep commitment to quality and kindness.
Attendees, present by exclusive invitation, were treated to a sensory journey led by Dilmah’s visionary CEO, Dilhan Fernando. The event showcased not only the rich history and future of tea but also its remarkable versatility in the culinary world.
“The attendees enjoyed tea-inspired canapés, insightful talks on wellness and sustainability, and a taste of the brand’s bold new brews – including the launch of Dilmah’s Ruby Tea and innovative tea elixirs.”
A star-studded lineup of guest presenters elevated the experience. Celebrated chef Peter Kuruvita captivated the audience with a “Tea Gastronomy” walkthrough, demonstrating innovative high tea concepts, cooking with tea, and expertly pairing dishes with select Dilmah brews. Among his culinary marvels were a delicate Yellowtail Kingfish Tartare with Dilmah Tea and Jasmine, flavourful Sri Lankan Tuna Croquettes, and the delectable Dilmah Ceylon Green Tea Popcorn Prawn Skewers. A true highlight was the exquisite plated pairing: Torched Wagyu Sushi Roll with Miso and Dilmah Elixir of Ceylon Black Tea Hollandaise, perfectly matched with the 85 Reserve Royal Ceylon Breakfast Tea. Guests also savoured the intriguing combination of Masala Potato Dumplings, Raita, and Chamomile Lace Crisps. Kuruvita’s presentations underscored how tea can be a sophisticated ingredient, moving beyond a mere beverage.
Valerie Henbest from Smelly Cheese Co. guided guests through an enlightening “Tea & Cheese Pairing” segment, showcasing how Dilmah’s exquisite Watte Range teas harmonise with various cheeses. The tasting featured four distinct teas paired with four complementary cheeses, surprising many with the depth and complexity achievable through such pairings. Attendees particularly raved about the pairing of Ran Watte tea with the magnificent Delice de St Cyr, the Uda Watte tea with an 18-month Comte, and the truly amazing Meda Watte tea with Milawa King River Gold.
The evening concluded with a lively “Mixology” demonstration by Sai Merchant, Mixologist from Dutch Rules Distilling Co. Merchant showcased the exciting potential of Ceylon Tea in cocktails, creating innovative and refreshing concoctions that tantalised the taste buds.
Throughout the event, guests enjoyed a selection of creative tea-inspired canapés, designed to highlight the diverse flavours of Dilmah teas. Insightful talks on wellness and sustainability underscored Dilmah’s core values, reinforcing their commitment to both people and planet. A highlight of the evening was the official launch of Dilmah’s bold new Ruby Tea and an array of innovative tea elixirs, signalling the brand’s forward-thinking approach to tea consumption.
The structured event unfolded with a welcoming address, followed by a comprehensive company history presentation. Dilhan Fernando then delved into the “Future of Tea,” discussing emerging tea and business trends, new formats like Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and extracts, and the growing focus on health and wellness within the industry.
A poignant “Tea Grower Segment” titled “Our Tea Gardens to Your Door” provided a glimpse into the meticulous process of cultivating and handpicking Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka’s pristine estates. This segment also marked the launch of a new traceability app, further strengthening Dilmah’s commitment to transparency and ethical practices.
Dilmah’s legacy began in the early 1980s with founder Merrill J. Fernando, who pioneered the concept of producer-owned, ethically sourced tea, nicknaming his teas “nature’s gift of goodness.” His sons, Dilhan and Malik Fernando, continue to honour his mission, extending “cups of kindness” to the world. A significant portion of Dilmah’s pre-tax profits supports the www.mjffoundation.org/, which provides vital assistance in nutrition, education, and vocational training to thousands of children, youth, women, and men.
The 40th-anniversary celebration at the Sydney Opera House was not just a tribute to a beloved brand; it was a testament to Dilmah’s enduring commitment to quality, integrity, and making a tangible difference in the lives of many, one cup of kindness at a time.
