Panilkanda’s Triumph at The Leafies 2024
At Panilkanda, every tea leaf tells a story—of heritage, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. This year, that story took center stage at The Leafies 2024, hosted by the UK Tea Academy with the esteemed support of Fortnum & Mason. Held in the beautiful surroundings of Dartmouth House in Mayfair, London, the event was a celebration of tea’s artistry and craftsmanship, and we’re beyond proud to share that Panilkanda was awarded two incredible honors.
Our Panilkanda Golden Wiry Threads received the Gold Award in the Blends category, a recognition that underscores the dedication and expertise of our smallholder farmers in the Ruhuna Region of Sri Lanka. These farmers, many of whom are part of families who’ve cultivated tea for generations, bring knowledge, care, and passion to every leaf they grow. This award reflects their hard work and the unique quality they help us achieve.
Additionally, Panilkanda was awarded the Maverick Special Award for creativity and innovation, a tribute to our team’s efforts to push boundaries in tea production while staying true to our roots. Overcoming challenges in the industry requires a blend of resilience and forward-thinking, qualities that have defined Panilkanda Tea since our beginning.
Receiving these awards is both a celebration and an inspiration for us. It’s a reminder of the legacy that each generation of Panilkanda has carried forward and the responsibility we feel to honor that legacy. We’re incredibly grateful to the UK Tea Academy and Fortnum & Mason for acknowledging our journey and amplifying the voices behind each cup of Panilkanda Tea.
To all our farmers, dedicated employees, and everyone who supports Panilkanda—thank you. Together, we’re crafting teas that capture the spirit of our land and our history. Here’s to more milestones, to sharing our passion with tea lovers around the world, and to a future that’s as rich as the tea we produce.