#Climate Change #Sri Lanka #Colombo #Dilmah Tea #Tea Production

The Brewing Crisis for Tea Producers

In a foreboding statement, Dilhan C. Fernando, the Chairman of Dilmah Tea, alerts us to the potential challenges that lie ahead for the year 2026. The world may soon witness a pivotal chapter in the tea industry that not only impacts producers but also reverberates throughout society. The implications of these changes extend well beyond the tea bushes of Sri Lanka, suggesting a global crisis that could threaten the fabric of human existence.

At the heart of this brewing storm is the phenomenon of discount culture. A relentless demand for cheaper products has permeated consumer habits, pushing producers toward unethical and unsustainable practices, or worse, driving them to abandon their craft altogether. This quest for lower prices blinds consumers to the true value of what they purchase, stripping away transparency in supply chains and lowering quality standards. In this frantic race to the bottom, vital aspects such as biodiversity, soil fertility, and food security are endangered, underscoring that we are heading towards a future fraught with risks that we can no longer ignore.

The Climate and Inequality Crisis

Climate change and social inequality present some of the gravest threats to humanity's survival. The solutions to these challenges have been known for decades but come with a price tag. They require innovation in agriculture, empowerment of rural economies, gender balance, health and wellness improvements, education, nutrition, and housing—topics often pushed aside by producers. As an industry, we find ourselves entangled in a paradox: while there is an urgent need for nourishing, high-quality food and beverages, low-price pressures impede our ability to meet this fundamental demand.

What's disheartening is that the main issue isn't the lack of money to transition to sustainable practices, but rather how those funds are allocated. For producers like us, our products are our passion and the livelihood of millions, making it crucial that we hold steadfast to quality and ethics. Yet, the persistent demand for cheaper teas transforms our situation into an unbearable challenge. Subpar teas, often marketed under misleading pretenses, proliferate in the market, satisfying profit-driven buyers at the expense of quality.

The Systemic Dysfunction

This dysfunction within the industry is systemic, positioning consumers as unwitting participants in a broader crisis. The fallout from this predicament threatens to undermine the very products we hold dear and, alarmingly, highlights escalating threats to humanity overall, such as extreme climate events, worsening inequality, compromised food security, and deteriorating environmental quality.

Consider the plight of tea producers who lack the means to advocate for themselves within this disagreeable paradigm. The tea industry and Sri Lanka at large cannot afford to implement the necessary changes to continue supplying this essential crop to the world. This turmoil isn’t confined to tea alone; it serves as a cautionary tale applicable to all agricultural sectors facing existential threats. Our narrative resonates throughout the food system as we grapple with challenges that are not just limited to tea but could soon extend to all of humanity.

A Call to Action

As we look toward 2026, the time for change is now. A collective effort is required, emphasizing the importance of ethical consumption and supporting fair trade practices. By raising awareness of the true costs associated with our choices, we can steer the narrative back toward sustainability, quality, and ethical production. It's essential for consumers to understand that their purchasing decisions can drive the industry towards a better future, one where quality is prioritized over cost.

For those who value quality tea, consider what it truly means to support the industry. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but collaboration and informed consumer choices can steer us toward a more sustainable future for all.