The recently concluded Colombo International Tea Convention, held from 24 to 26 July in Sri Lanka's capital, was a major event for the world tea industry. Organized by the Colombo Tea Traders' Association and the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the convention provided a dynamic platform for industry professionals to connect, share innovative ideas, and collaborate in a productive and friendly environment.
What makes this Convention special is that the last Colombo International Tea Convention was last held 7 years ago and came back with a total blast. Hosted in the country's top 5 hotels, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the event was divided into three days of networking events, lectures and speakers, panel sessions, and a fourth day featuring a tour to Sri Lanka's renowned tea estates. The event's Opening Ceremony was led by the delegation of His Excellency, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka. Initially planned to meet over 300 delegates, it ended with a splendid 800+ guests attending from all corners of the world. The UK, US, Netherlands, Japan, China, Malaysia, Kenya, and Rwanda are just a few of the countries participants came from. Each day of the Convention started with a tea tasting morning experience, where delegates could savor the real taste of pure Ceylon tea from the most famous regions of Dimbula, Kandy, Ruhuna, Nuwara Eliya, and Uva. Participants could not only share their thoughts on their tea experience but also prepare themselves for the Charity Tea Auction participation experience.
The Colombo Tea Auction is a cornerstone of the global tea trade. Established in 1883, it has evolved into the world's largest tea auction by volume. Historically, the auction played a pivotal role in developing Sri Lanka's tea industry. Today, the auction faces the challenge of handling an increasing volume of tea varieties, necessitating a robust and efficient platform. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, the industry successfully transitioned to a digital auction format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This transformation underscored the auction's importance as a dynamic marketplace connecting producers and buyers worldwide.
Tea auctions have been a central part of Sri Lanka's tea trade and industry. Traditionally, offline tea auctions were commonplace. However, the industry has predominantly shifted to online platforms. The convention's tea auction served as a tribute to these old traditions, reminding us of the intense yet rewarding nature of the tea industry. It emphasized the importance of cooperation and strong relationships in such a competitive market.
The convention featured a series of insightful lectures and panel discussions. Speakers representing major tea-producing nations, including China, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka, shared their expertise. The lineup encompassed a diverse range of industry professionals, from representatives and owners of renowned tea companies like Dilmah, Ahmad Tea, and Akbar to officials from government-supported agencies such as the Tea Board. Additionally, foreign journalists and global innovators in tea packaging and product development contributed valuable perspectives.
The three-day convention culminated in a series of spectacular events. The Welcome Cocktails, Tea Gala Dinner, and Beach Celebration of Tea drew over 800 guests each. These vibrant celebrations provided a platform for delegates to exchange contacts, immerse themselves in Sri Lankan culture through music, dance, and cuisine, and, of course, savor the diverse flavors of pure Ceylon tea from various estates across the country.
A unique feature of the convention was the development of a dedicated mobile application. This innovative tool facilitated networking among attendees, allowing them to easily message and connect with each other. The app also enabled users to schedule meetings within the event hall, stay updated on session schedules and breaks, explore event galleries, and create profiles to connect with like-minded individuals. To foster continued engagement and networking, the app remains active for one month from the day the event concluded.
The Colombo International Tea Convention 2024 was an unforgettable experience that brought together tea lovers and industry experts from around the world. It was a truly inspiring event! These gatherings are more than just conferences; they’re opportunities to connect, share ideas, and shape the future of tea together. The next Tea Convention is waiting for us in Rwanda and we can’t wait to see what the Africa Tea Convention has in store for us this October!
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