I was born into tea, but Empire was born from a dream, to blend heritage with passion & hope, and deliver the soul of Sri Lanka to the world.
Rooted in heritage and grown with passion, Empire Teas is a third-generation family-owned business led by Tea Master Lushantha de Silva. Our story began decades ago with legendary planter Thurson de Silva, passed through Hemasiri de Silva, and now flourishes under Lushantha’s vision, guided by tradition and inspired by the future.
From humble beginnings to a global presence, Empire Teas is now among Sri Lanka’s top five exporters, proudly sharing over 14 million kilograms of premium Ceylon Tea with the world. With signature brands like Hyson, Thurson, and Akina, and operations in Sri Lanka and Kenya, we deliver not just tea, but heritage, flavor, and soul in every cup. Our Kenya venture, launched in 2017, brings the bold spirit of African-origin teas to new markets.
At Empire Teas, we offer a full-spectrum tea solution from sourcing and tasting to blending, flavor innovation, and world-class packaging guided by globally recognized certifications. Backed by cutting-edge facilities and a dedicated team, we’re driven to craft teas that are safe, sustainably produced, and exceptional in quality.
With a growing presence in Kenya, China, the Netherlands, Spain, and beyond, we’ve established operations in these regions to bring our teas closer to the people who love them. This expansion isn’t just about reach. It’s about creating more intimate connections, understanding local tastes, and delivering a richer, more personal tea experience to every corner of the world.
Our teas are thoughtfully presented in teabags, tins, and premium gift packs designed to delight both in quality and appearance. We also offer comprehensive private-label solutions for global partners, creating custom tea experiences that reflect their unique brand stories. From bulk supply to artisanal blends infused with real fruits, herbs, and flowers, every product is carefully crafted with precision and passion. Our newest venture, Ceylon Wild Harvest, celebrates the bold, untamed flavors of Sri Lanka’s pristine spice gardens.
Beyond tea, Empire tells a story of people and purpose. Through Tea Avenue, our modern lifestyle café brand, we bring communities together, one cup at a time. We remain deeply committed to giving back supporting education for plantation children and uplifting communities that have shaped our journey.
Chairman’s Message
Countries Where We Are Present
We export to over 70 countries at present, with Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Guinea, being a few of the key markets. Our clients requirements vary from Bulk teas to final products such as Tea bag cartons, and loose leaf tea cartons.
