Sri Lanka is well known to connoisseurs as a producer of some of the world's finest teas. Stassen Natural Foods, part of the Stassen Group, is taking the quality of Ceylon Tea to new heights with the production of a range of high quality organic teas, cultivated in total harmony with nature.

 

STASSEN - THE PIONEERS OF ORGANIC TEA

In 1987, Stassen earned the distinction of having the world's first certified organic tea garden. The Export Development Board of Sri Lanka conferred Pioneering Status to Stassen for the production of the first Organic Tea in the country. Our Organic Tea Project is annually inspected by the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) of Switzerland and certified by NATURLAND of Germany- and NASAA of Australia.  Stassen is presently one of the largest organic tea producers in the world with an annual production of 500 tons of organic black and green tea.

IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Stassen's tea gardens exist in total harmony with nature. Organic cultivation demands that we interact in a constructive and life-enhancing way with natural systems and cycles, maintaining an ecological balance. This means maintaining and increasing the long term fertility of the soil, protecting it from erosion, making optimum use of water resources and minimizing any pollution that may result from agricultural activities. Our organic tea gardens are also a haven for many species of birds and there is an abundance of wild life seen in the nearby virgin forests. The natural ecosystems we work with ensure the survival of the rich and varied fauna and flora that thrive in the vicinity of the tea gardens.

ORGANIC CULTIVATION

Organic agriculture is a sustainable form of farming where cultivation is carried out without the use of chemically synthesized products, pesticides or insecticides. Instead, we use natural products and methods according to standards set out by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM). Soil fertility is encouraged and maintained through composting and vermiculture. Leguminous plants planted beside the tea bushes also provide vital nutrients. Soil erosion is prevented through contour planting, manual weeding, cover crops and mulching.

BIODYNAMIC CULTIVATION

Biodynamic agriculture incorporates the beneficial use of the cosmic energies into the cultivation of plants, together with systematic inputs of mineral, plant and animal nutrient to the field. Cultivation practices are carried out according to the biodynamic calendar. Biodynamic preparation, homeopathic solutions or minerals and organic nutrients are applied to the plants and soil to enhance growth, harvest and resistance against pest and diseases.

COMMITMENT FOR TOTAL COMMUNITY

The principles that govern organic cultivation require not just ecological awareness but a sense of social responsibility as well. At our organic tea gardens we have put into place an innovative community-based social development programme with a team that looks into all aspects of worker well-being. The success of this programme has been proved by the impact it has had on the lives of the workers.

The main objectives of the scheme are to provide healthcare, sanitation, good living conditions, education and recreation for the workers. Maternal and child welfare rate high in this programme, and community development has covered everything from organizing a rural bank to constructing new houses, initiating income generating projects and providing counselling services.

OUR ORGANIC TEA GARDENS

In Sri Lanka the tea country is divided into a western and an eastern region by a chain of mountains which forms the climatic divide of the island. On the East is the Uva region and on the West the Dimbulla region, each producing teas renowned for their distinct character and flavour.

VENTURE   The Venture organic tea garden is situated in the Bogowanthalawa Valley in the Dimbulla region and its elevation ranges from 1100 to 1300 metres. This estate is renowned for the production of premium quality organic black teas, rich in flavour and colour.

IDDALGASHINNA   Our Iddalgashinna organic tea garden is the world's first certified tea garden producing both premium quality black and green teas. Iddalgashinna is located in the Uva region. Its elevation is from 1,000 to 1,900 metres. This estate has earned the distinction of producing some of the finest organic green teas highly sought after by tea connoisseurs the world over.

SEASONAL QUALITY TEAS

There are two quality seasons for teas in Sri Lanka corresponding to the Uva and Dimbulla regions. July to September is the Uva season, while December to February is the best season for tea in Dimbulla. Dry winds that blow across the regions coupled with bright days and cold nights contribute to the aromatic flavour compounds in the tea leaves. Iddalgashinna and Venture produce exquisite seasonal teas. Uva teas are light with pungency and aroma. Dimbulla teas are light too, but mellow with the fragrance of flowers and each has its distinctive seasonal character.

OTHER ORGANIC TEAS

At Stassen we produce a broad range of premium quality organic black and green teas which are produced and processed to individual customer specifications. Apart from our pioneering role in organic tea cultivation, Stassen's also hold the distinction of being Sri Lanka's first and premier producer of green tea. Stassen's expertise comes together in our Organically grown green teas, one of which won bronze in the London 2001 Great Taste Awards.

Stassen also produce organic blends of Ceylon and Darjeeling teas both for loose tea packs and tea bags giving our customers a range of teas to choose from for their private label tea bags and loose tea packs. Other options available include chai and flavoured teas although flavour use is limited to natural flavours if organically certified flavours are not available. 

Organically grown herb teas are available through Stassen North America.

PACKAGING

Our Tea bagging facility is state of the art, located in a modern specially designed factory built to international standards. Our tea bag factory which is mostly automated is ISO 9002 certified, thus ensuring a total quality product to the consumer.

For those that require a more earthy feel to their organic product Stassen is able to provide tea and tea bags in beautiful woven baskets which provides local employment to villagers involved in development projects supported by Stassen. These baskets are ideally suited for use in the gift market.

A STANDARD OF CORPORATE EXCELLENCE.

Stassen believe in customer satisfaction, and we ensure this by providing products of the highest quality, backed by a service that is both comprehensive and responsive. For five consecutive years Stassen have had the honour of receiving the Presidential Export Award in recognition of our contribution to the tea industry in Sri Lanka. 

At Stassen we firmly believe that in a truly sustainable economy the aspects of environmental, social and economic commitments must go together.

ACCREDITING ORGANIZATIONS

Stassen's Organic Tea has the following certifications. More information on these organizations can be found by following the links to their web sites. Naturland, NASAA and IMO are members of the International Federations of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM). Max Havelaar and Transfair are members of the Fairtrade Labelling Organization International (FLO).

NASSA Reg:2095

Stassen Organic Ceylon Tea

Naturally the Best!