Akbar Brothers flies Lankan flag high as world’s biggest tea exporter

Akbar Brothers, which for decades has been dominating the local tea industry, in 2011 made Sri Lanka prouder by becoming the world’s biggest tea exporter, beating global giant Lipton.

The company said that its exports in 2011 amounted to 52.2 million kilos, positioning it as the biggest exporter of single origin tea. Lipton Africa, the industry giant, is estimated to have shipped only 48.4 million kilos globally in 2011. Of Sri Lanka’s total exports, Akbar commanded the lion share of 16% in 2011.

Hitherto Akbar was the world’s largest trader of tea, whilst in 2011 the Sri Lankan giant has added another feather as the biggest exporter.

Industry analysts said that Akbar’s feat in 2011 was outstanding considering the fact that the tea industry faced many challenges last year, including poor crop, a stronger currency, unsettled conditions in major tea drinking regions such as the Middle East and the overall global recession.

The value of Akbar’s exports was Rs. 27 billion, up from Rs. 24 billion achieved in 2010. Volume wise exports improved by over four million kilos or over 9% in comparison to 2010. Composition of value-added teas out of Akbar’s total is over 75%.

In 2011, Akbar has also increased its global footprint and is now exporting to or having a presence in over 90 countries and territories. Nearly 70 million cups of Akbar Teas are consumed on a daily basis across the world. Ninety eight percent of Akbar exports consists of pure Ceylon teas and all its tea brands are 100% pure Ceylon tea, according to the company.

The Akbar Brothers Group is run by the fifth generation of the Akbar family in the tea trade, spanning over 140 years.

The Group has won several awards for outstanding export performance, including Presidential Export Awards for the ‘Best Sri Lankan Brand Exporter’ and ‘Exporter to the Largest Number of Destinations’.