About

Welcome to the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA), where we are dedicated to promoting the production and sale of hand-crafted teas in Sri Lanka. Our mission is clear: to introduce tea-lovers worldwide to a diverse range of unique Ceylon teas while also uplifting the incomes of small farmers and workers who cultivate Sri Lanka’s renowned teas.

In today’s world, discerning consumers seek artisanal products across various categories, from coffee to cheeses, and from beers to whiskies. Despite Sri Lanka’s global reputation for producing exceptional teas under the Ceylon Lion logo, the majority of these teas are mass-produced in large factories and sold at auction, often destined for generic blends and tea bags.

At CATA, we aim to change this narrative by championing artisanal tea production. Hand-crafted teas offer tea-lovers a greater variety of terroirs, techniques, and flavors, similar to those found in countries like China and Japan where tea-making remains a cherished tradition. By nurturing the production of artisanal teas, we aim to enhance Sri Lanka’s tea exports and increase farmers’ incomes, while also providing specialty tea retailers with a wider array of Ceylon teas to offer their customers.

Established in 2020 by eight small tea producers, CATA has since grown, with over 10 other small producers expressing interest in joining our association. Our members hail from five regions of Sri Lanka: Dimbulla, Kandy, Ruhunu, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva. Together, we envision offering tea enthusiasts a diverse selection of unique teas from every corner of Sri Lanka.

CATA’s members produce a variety of hand-made teas, including black teas, green teas, white teas, silver tips, wild teas, flavored teas, and tisanes. Each member operates in a distinct area of Sri Lanka, resulting in teas with unique terroirs and flavors—from the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya to the rainforests of Ruhunu.

Join us in our journey to discover the artistry and diversity of Ceylon teas, handcrafted with passion and care by our dedicated members at the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association.