This month, we’re celebrating 16 years of purpose at English Tea Shop.
What began in Sri Lanka in 2010 as a simple belief in doing business differently has grown into a global community connected by organic tea, sustainability and shared value. Today, our teas are enjoyed around the world, but our purpose remains rooted in the same place: the people, land and communities behind every cup.
As we mark the occasion, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far, and to celebrate Purpose Day as a company, together.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
English Tea Shop was founded with a clear ambition: to create exceptional organic teas while supporting the people and communities behind them.
From the beginning, we believed tea could do more than fill a cup. It could nurture farming communities, empower employees, protect nature and bring people together through shared moments of care.
That belief has guided us for 16 years. It still shapes the way we grow, handpick, blend, pack and share our teas today.
Growing a Different Kind of Business
By 2013, English Tea Shop teas were being enjoyed in 23 countries worldwide, a joyful reminder that great tea can connect people across borders.
But growth has never been only about reaching more shelves or more cups. For us, it has always been about building a different kind of business.
Between 2015 and 2016, we embraced Creating Shared Value and Open Book Management, placing transparency, collaboration and shared success at the heart of our model.
These principles continue to guide us today. They help our teams understand the business, contribute ideas, celebrate progress and share in success. As a 30% employee-owned business, we’re proud to be working towards a future where ownership, opportunity and prosperity are more widely shared.
Celebrating Purpose Day Together
This year, our anniversary has also been an opportunity to celebrate Purpose Day as a company.
Our Purpose Day celebration gave us time to pause and recognise the people who make English Tea Shop what it is: our farmers, employees, partners, customers and tea lovers around the world.
It was a moment to look back with gratitude, and to look forward with renewed energy.
From our Sri Lankan roots to our global tea-loving community, Purpose Day reminded us that our progress has been shaped by many hands and many hearts.
Our Commitment to Organic Goodness
A defining moment in our journey came in 2017 and 2018, when we became 100% organic.
For us, organic has always been about more than ingredients. It is about caring for soil, supporting biodiversity, and helping farming communities build more resilient livelihoods over time.
Through training, long-term partnerships and sustainable farming initiatives, we continue to work closely with small-scale organic farmers who share our belief in doing things differently.
It is all part of Prajāva, our guiding philosophy of community. From planters and pickers to processors, packers and tea lovers, we believe everyone in the tea journey should prosper together.
Innovation Inspired by Everyday Moments
Over the years, we’ve continued to innovate while staying true to our purpose.
From the beautifully curated Moments Collection to botanical tea-inspired gifting ranges, our Pyramid Collection and seasonal favourites including our advent calendars, each launch has been created to make everyday tea moments more meaningful.
Whether it is a morning cup, a thoughtful gift or a festive ritual, every blend is part of a wider story, one that begins with organic farming and ends with a moment of connection.
Looking Back & Looking Forward
The last few years have brought achievements we’re proud to celebrate.
In 2023, we were awarded the Mother and Child Friendly Seal for Responsible Business Practices. In 2024, we refreshed and revitalised our blends, ensuring every cup delivers the quality and flavour our community knows and loves.
In 2025, we received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, alongside opening our first exclusive Duty Free store at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka.
Each milestone reflects the same belief that started our journey 16 years ago: business can create lasting value when people, purpose and planet grow together.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
Sixteen years on, we remain grateful for every person who has been part of the English Tea Shop journey.
To our farmers, employees, partners, customers and tea lovers around the world, thank you.
You have welcomed us into your homes, daily rituals and special moments. You have helped us grow a joyful tea revolution rooted in care, community and organic goodness.
Here’s to the next chapter of sharing Love & Prosperity through Community, and, of course, a great cup of tea.
