Ceylon Tea takes spotlight at Saudi Food Show 2026 with first dedicated pavilion
Daily FT: The first dedicated Ceylon Tea Pavilion was showcased at the Saudi Food Show 2026, held at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 27 to 29 September 2026.
The pavilion brought together six Sri Lankan tea companies to showcase the quality, diversity and distinctive character of Ceylon Tea in the Saudi market.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Department of Commerce, organised the Ceylon Tea Pavilion with the aim of strengthening the presence of Ceylon Tea and other Sri Lankan food and beverage products in the Saudi market, while creating opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters.
The pavilion was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, together with the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Justice Mohamed Laffar, and representatives of Ceylon Tea exporting companies.
The Ambassador highlighted the continued growth of bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. Sri Lankan exports to Saudi Arabia increased by 15% compared with 2024, while tea remained a major contributor, with packet and bulk tea exports amounting to approximately $ 67 million during the year.
The Ambassador emphasised the potential to further strengthen the presence of Ceylon Tea in the Saudi market while promoting a wider range of Sri Lankan food and beverage products. He encouraged Sri Lankan exporters to make use of the Saudi Food Show and other exhibitions in the Kingdom to engage with Saudi buyers, importers, distributors and retailers, understand market requirements, and establish long-term commercial partnerships.
The Ceylon Tea Pavilion featured Imperial Tea Exports Ltd., Meezan and Company, Ceylon Tea Marketing Group, Ceylon Tea Land Ltd., Heladiv Tea, and Martin Bauer Hayleys Ltd. In addition, Empire Teas Ltd., Eswaran Brothers Exports Ltd., Anverally and Sons Ltd., Uniworld Teas Ltd., and A.F. Jones Exporters Ceylon Ltd., participated independently at the Saudi Food Show.
The establishment of the first dedicated Ceylon Tea Pavilion at the Saudi Food Show marked an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s commercial engagement with Saudi Arabia and expanding opportunities for Sri Lankan tea exporters in the Saudi market.
The Saudi Food Show 2026 and Saudi Food Manufacturing 2026 brought together more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 95 countries, providing opportunities across Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage and food manufacturing sectors. Saudi Food Show 2026.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tea industry is creating business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses and investors in value-added production, premium beverages, packaging and export distribution as the country seeks to expand its presence in international markets. The first dedicated Ceylon Tea Pavilion at the Saudi Food Show 2026 in Jeddah highlighted efforts to strengthen market access and establish partnerships with overseas buyers. Organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh with the Sri Lanka Tea Board and Department of Commerce, the initiative brought together six Sri Lankan tea companies. Sri Lankan tea exports to Saudi Arabia reached approximately US$67 million in 2025, while overall exports to the country increased by 15% compared with 2024, highlighting the potential for further market expansion. For foreign investors, opportunities extend beyond traditional bulk tea exports to premium packaged teas, specialty blends, organic products, ready-to-drink beverages and innovative tea-based products. Investment in modern processing, packaging, branding and e-commerce could help local producers capture higher-value market segments. International companies could establish joint ventures with Sri Lankan exporters, develop private-label products for overseas retailers and build distribution networks across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Investment in sustainable cultivation, traceability and efficient processing could further strengthen competitiveness. Sri Lanka’s established reputation for Ceylon Tea provides a foundation for diversifying exports and reaching new consumer markets. For foreign businesses, partnerships with Sri Lankan producers offer opportunities to combine established tea-growing expertise with international technology, marketing and distribution capabilities. Greater investment in value addition and market development could boost export earnings, strengthen local supply chains and position Ceylon Tea more competitively in the global premium beverage market.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261015Z_3 |