DILMAH TEA REFRESHES CEYLON FOR A NEW GENERATION

Dilmah Tea has unveiled its ‘That’s Refreshing’ campaign to introduce iced teas to younger audiences. Inspired by Vintage Ceylon yet styled with Wes Anderson flair, the film blends heritage and modernity. Founded on authenticity and ethics, Dilmah continues its mission of quality tea and human service through innovation and storytelling.

How does a heritage brand steeped in tradition speak to a younger generation? For Dilmah Tea, the answer lay in reimagining Ceylon itself. The company’s new campaign, aptly titled That’s Refreshing, presents a vibrant, modern take on the island’s tea heritage, drawing inspiration from the charm of Vintage Ceylon but with a contemporary twist.  

The centrepiece of the campaign is a film that bursts with colour and symmetry, echoing the unmistakable aesthetic of Wes Anderson. Its playful rhythm is underscored by a song that nods to the classic That’s Amore!, creating a joyful invitation to rediscover tea in a new form—iced, spirited, and refreshingly modern.  

Yet beneath the stylish veneer lies a brand with a deeper philosophy. Founded in 1988 by Merrill J. Fernando, Dilmah has always stood apart in its passionate commitment to authenticity. Fernando championed orthodox tea-making, a centuries-old process of handpicking, withering, rolling, oxidising and firing that produces nuanced, sophisticated flavours. He famously dismissed the modern CTC method as “tea without a soul,” a shortcut that sacrifices the artistry of true tea.  

Dilmah remains the only vertically integrated tea company in Sri Lanka, owning its own gardens, estates, and state-of-the-art packaging facilities. This integration ensures quality at every stage, while also allowing the brand to retain profits in Sri Lanka. Through the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation, those profits are channelled into community and environmental initiatives, embodying Fernando’s belief that “Business is a Matter of Human Service.”  

Today, under the stewardship of Merrill’s sons Dilhan and Malik, Dilmah continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. The iced tea range is not just a product launch but a statement: that heritage can be refreshed, and authenticity can resonate with new generations. For tea aficionados and casual drinkers alike, Dilmah offers more than a beverage—it offers a philosophy, a story, and a taste of Ceylon reborn.