The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels organised a ‘Ceylon Speciality Tea Mocktail Evening’ to promote Ceylon tea in a creative and innovative way in the Belgian market. The event was held at Sri Lanka Residence in Brussels on 04 September 2024.

The mocktail was attended by well over 30 participants comprising tea importers, distributors, retailers, special tea shops, tea sommeliers and tea enthusiasts in Belgium. It was organized collaboratively with Stijn Van Schoonlandt, the owner of Kruze Tea Belgium, a certified Tea Master, an international speaker, the Regional Director for Europe of the International Tea Masters Association and the members of the European Speciality Tea Association.

Mr. Stijn Van Schoonlandt prepared a variety of unique and refreshing mocktails, blending Ceylon speciality teas and demonstrated some exquisite tea mocktail recipes at the event while distinguishing the rich flavours of Ceylon teas.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium Chandana Weerasena invited participants to actively engage with tea companies in Sri Lanka and to join tea trails in Sri Lanka to experience the true essence of Sri Lanka’s highlands and tea plantations.

Minister (commercial) of the Embassy Thavishya Mullegamgoda made a detailed presentation on Ceylon tea. While highlighting the rich diversity of Ceylon tea, she emphasized some key factors that promise competitive advantage for Ceylon tea in the Belgian and the European markets.

Product samples received from Sri Lanka Tea Exporters, namely Amba Estate, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, Empire Teas (Pvt) Ltd, Erin Tea, Imperial Tea Exports (Pvt) Ltd, George Steuart Teas (Pvt) Ltd, Kaley Natural Farms (Pvt) Ltd, and Rosyth Artisan Teas were displayed at the venue.

During the networking session, participants interacted with the Embassy officials to discuss much focused future engagements.

Participants tasted signature Ceylon tea based mocktails while enjoying Sri Lankan finger foods perfectly paired with tea mocktails.