Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Browns commissions Sri Lanka’s first ever Oolong tea factory

By

28 March 2016 12:00 am - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Brown & Co., PLC was recently entrusted with the conversion of the existing Waldemar orthodox Tea Factory situated in the Udapussellawa district to manufacture Oolong tea.
The factory nestled between the extreme cold temperatures in the highlands of Nuwara Eliya and the upcountry/mid country climates of Uda Pussellawa districts has an agro-friendly climate which offers the ideal conditions for the manufacture of Oolong Tea.
Waldemar had hereto been manufacturing Black tea and as a value addition initiative, Finlays Tea Estates decided to convert it into a dual purpose factorythat manufactures both Green Tea and Oolong Tea.This gives the plantation, the advantage of manufacturingeither type of tea according to market demands.
The manufacture of Oolong tea though new to this country, has a high demand in the world market. This type of tea, predominantly manufactured in Taiwan and China fetches a very high price compared to orthodox teas.With the current dip in the market on the prices of tea, Finlays, hopes to complement the sagging tea market with these value added products in a bid to enhance profitability.
The origin of Oolong tea dates back to almost 400 years, when it found wide usage in China. It has a fruity flavor and a pleasant aroma. Despite its low caffeine content, it can still be extremely relaxing to drink. The health benefits of Oolong tea are basically doubled because of its combined qualities of Black tea and Green tea. The reduction of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, inflammatory disorders, and high cholesterol levels, while providing vital antioxidants, promoting superior bone structure, robust skin and good dental health are some of the benefits of drinking Oolong tea.
Since both Green and Oolong tea do not require conventional withering, the space required for withering and manufacture is minimal. As a result Waldemar factory which was originally a four loft factory, now operates as a modified two loft factory.
Brown & Company PLC (Browns), are indeed honoured of the confidence Finlays has placed in Browns and to have been awarded the contract. The company has invested in high quality machinery from Taiwan and China for the factory. The entire concept, drawing of the plans and the import and installation of machinery was carried out by the Plantation Support Service division of Browns.
This is the 3rdmajor contract that has been awarded to Browns. The others were; Installation of the second line of CTC at Duckwari Estate and the CTC line at Hapugastenne Estate to complement the existing 
orthodox rollers.
Structural alterations have also been carried out in the factory building, enabling smoother internal operations.The manufacturing line of Green tea has been automated in order to minimise handling. As a result, the required man power has significantly dropped due to the improved manufacturing process of Oolong tea.
“The setting up of this first ever Oolong tea factory in Sri Lanka, is a turnkey project as it involved the transfer of knowledge in the manufacture of Oolong tea. Browns, was able to send representatives from Finlays to Taiwan to master the manufacturing of Tea and in turn bring in experts to Waldemar from Taiwan in-order to train the factory personnel in the manufacturing of these specialty Teas. Today Waldemar manufactures a very high quality Oolong tea, which is on par with the best from Taiwan”. Said Jeremy Rajiah, General Manager - Plantation Support Services.


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 0

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H