Halpé Tea bags top six honours at NCE Awards 2016

World renowned for its distinct and flavoursome produce, Halpé Tea, a subsidiary of the U.H.E Group, the nation’s diversified entity in exports and tourism, marked its trail blazing presence in Sri Lanka’s exports arena winning a remarkable six awards including special awards and the inaugural Late Patrick Amerasinghe Challenge Trophy at the recently concluded National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) Awards 2016. 

At this year’s ceremony Halpé Tea which manages the export and direct delivery of factory fresh tea and herbal products, was presented with an epic six awards: A Gold for Bulk Tea, Gold for Value Added Tea, Gold for Most Outstanding Exporter Sectorwise – Tea Bulk, and special accolades such as the Gold Award for the Best SME Exporter, Silver for Most Innovative Exporter – Related Enterprise and the inaugural winner of the ‘Patrick Amerasinghe Challenge Trophy.’

Within a short period of just 3.5 years, Halpé Tea is now recognised as a company pushing the boundaries on exporting and business excellence showcasing innovation and entrepreneurial character within the community.

An elated Eranda Aberathna, Head of Halpé Tea (U.H.E. Exports) and Director Marketing at U.H.E Group said, “It is an honour to receive these prestigious awards as it not only demonstrates the company’s role in exporting, but as recognition and praise from the industry for Halpé Tea’s spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce dedication.”

He commended the workforce and staff noting, “Though we are a family owned business, these awards are a great example of a fantastic team spirit. Winning these awards is an exceptional achievement and gratitude must go to our team of dedicated employees, who make winning awards like this possible. Our team is very passionate about our products and assisting our customers, it is through their continued dedication and support that we are able to make our mark in growing our exports.” 

The U.H.E. Group was founded in 1971, by A.P.D. Aberathna, the current Chairman, and operates four tea estates island-wide; Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory Ltd., Uva Greenland Estates Ltd., and Uva Halpe Estate Plantations Ltd.

The Group has also successfully diversified into the tourism industry and own award winning brands such as the 98 Acres Resort and the Secret Hotels chain. Halpé Tea exports its products to countries worldwide including Kuwait, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, France and other important European markets. 

“It is great to take moments like this to look back and celebrate our achievements, and with our ambitious growth plans, we can only be excited for what is to come,” added Aberathna.