Tea Library by Gunawardana Tea Expands Brand Presence with Colombo Meet-Up

When heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary flair, the result is a tea experience that resonates across generations. Tea Library, the retail arm of Gunawardana Tea Factory in Akuressa, has long been inviting enthusiasts to explore the art of Ceylon tea, and its recent Colombo meet-up merely underscores a story rooted in tradition yet brewed for modern sensibilities.

Plantation Roots and the Birth of Tea Library

Since 1991, the Gunawardana Tea Factory—set on a verdant 10-acre estate in Thalahagama, Akuressa—has championed organic cultivation and meticulous leaf processing. Driven by a Japanese 5S quality system and certified under ISO and HACCP standards, the factory produces over 35,000 kg of made tea each month. Recognizing an evolving marketplace hungry for both authenticity and convenience, the Gunawardana family launched Tea Library: a curated retail concept that transforms their plantation’s finest harvests into a lifestyle brand.

Tea Library Stall: A Destination in Akurassa

For several years, the heart of Tea Library has pulsed at its flagship stall nestled within the factory grounds. Here, visitors wander through leaf-framed walkways, observe live withering and rolling demonstrations, and sample teas freshly drawn from the Ceylon black tea lineup. More than a point of sale, the stall embodies a farm-to-cup narrative: guests learn how elevation, soil composition, and timing yield distinct flavor profiles, then leave armed with both knowledge and a tin of their favorite blend.

Signature Blends and Flavored Innovations

Tea Library’s portfolio strikes a balance between revered classics and playful infusions:

Premium Black Tea Collection:

• PEKOE – Delicate floral notes with a smooth finish
• OP1 – Rich, full-bodied character with malty undertones
• OP – Bright, brisk flavor perfect for morning rituals
• FBOPF1 – Fragrant leaves offering a nuanced, aromatic cup
• FBOP – Balanced strength and subtle sweetness

Flavored Pyramid Bag Teas (all sold in biodegradable, refillable tubes):

• Strawberry – Juicy, fruit-forward sweetness against a black-tea base
• Soursop – Exotic citrus tang enlivening every steep
• Mint – Cool, refreshing finish ideal for post-meal relaxation
• Cinnamon Apple – Warm spice harmonized with crisp orchard notes

This dual approach ensures Tea Library appeals to purists and adventurers alike—those who seek the soul of the leaf, and those drawn by the promise of novel taste experiences.

Colombo Meet-Up: Connecting Urban Connoisseurs

Earlier this month, Tea Library by Gunawardana Tea brought a taste of its plantation roots to the city with an exclusive gathering at The Garden – Fusion Café in Colombo. The event, set in the café’s lush, open-air garden space, created a relaxed yet refined atmosphere ideal for connecting with a curated audience of tea enthusiasts, lifestyle bloggers, café owners, and hospitality professionals. Elegant tables were adorned with minimalistic tea displays, featuring glass teapots, labeled jars of loose-leaf tea, and biodegradable packaging that echoed the brand’s sustainable ethos.

Guests were treated to a guided tasting session led by representatives from Tea Library, exploring the nuances of their signature black tea collection—including OP1, Pekoe, FBOP, and FBOPF1. Each brew was presented with a brief explanation of its processing style, flavor notes, and recommended pairings. The tasting was complemented by a selection of thoughtfully curated canapés, each designed to accentuate the teas’ unique characteristics: mild cheese puffs with the floral OP1, spiced mini quiches with the robust Pekoe, and delicate fruit tarts to match the smooth FBOPF1.

The event also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue. As cups were refilled and aromas filled the air, conversations naturally shifted toward Tea Library’s journey from its humble Akurassa factory roots to its growing role in premium retail. Attendees engaged in discussions around sustainable farming, biodegradable packaging, climate-conscious production methods, and the evolving expectations of the modern tea consumer. Several industry insiders expressed interest in potential collaborations and retail partnerships, signaling broader market opportunities.

Ultimately, the Colombo meet-up was more than a promotional affair—it was a brand immersion. It allowed Tea Library to not only present its products but also share its values, vision, and story in a setting that bridged the serene charm of Sri Lankan tea culture with the energy of Colombo’s urban lifestyle scene.

Brewing Tomorrow’s Growth

Tea Library’s confident strides in both rural and urban arenas signal a strategic blueprint for expansion:

1. E-Commerce Enhancement: Rolling out a revamped online platform with subscription-based “seasonal samplers” to reach global aficionados.
2. Loyal-Tea Rewards: Introducing a tiered program that rewards repeat purchases with early-access blends and exclusive estate tours.
3. Export Partnerships: Forging alliances with boutique retailers in Europe and the Middle East to showcase single-origin Ceylon teas.

By weaving its deep plantation heritage into lifestyle-driven touchpoints, Tea Library is not only selling tea—it’s cultivating a community of informed, passionate drinkers. As Sri Lanka’s specialty tea sector evolves, Gunawardana’s Tea Library stands ready to steep tradition in innovation, one cup at a time.

References:

• About Gunawardana Tea Factory: Founding date, production, certifications