- Established 1934
A Century of Ceylon Tea Mastery
Since 1934, Prime Tea Ceylon has perfected Pure Ceylon Tea, with three generations of hand-picked, estate-grown leaves creating a legacy of nearly a century in tea farming and production.
- Our Heritage
The History of Ceylon Tea
James Taylor
Father of Ceylon Tea Industry
- • Est. 1867 •
Tea cultivation was introduced to Sri Lanka by the British in 1834, reshaping the island’s landscape and laying the foundation for what would become the global Ceylon tea trade history. The industry officially launched in 1867, when James Taylor established the first commercial tea plantation in Ceylon, marking the true first tea planting in Sri Lanka in 1867 and earning him recognition as the founder of the Ceylon tea industry.
In 1873, the first tea export from Sri Lanka reached foreign shores, opening the gateway for the tremendous growth of the Ceylon tea export market. A decade later, in 1883, the first tea auction in Ceylon took place in Colombo, establishing a structured marketplace for Pure Ceylon Tea.
Today, the exceptional quality of Pure Ceylon Tea is preserved through the island’s diverse terroir, tea growing regions, and elevation zones in Sri Lanka, spanning from sea level plains to elevations above 2,000 meters. Thriving in rich soils and a climate of high rainfall with temperatures between 14–28°C, each region imparts its own unique flavour, character, and aroma.
- Ceylon Tea Heritage
A Century Steeped in Ceylon Tea Heritage
A symbolic pledge towards environmental protection and sustainability. We care about nature and use farming methods that protect the environment for future generations.
1834 Ceylon Tea’s Genesis
James Taylor establishes Ceylon’s first commercial tea estate, laying the foundation for the island’s illustrious tea industry.
1873 First International Shipment
Ceylon tea begins its global journey with the first tea export from Sri Lanka in 1873
1883 Tea Market Foundation
The first public tea auction in Ceylon in 1883 marked a significant milestone in the commercialisation of Pure Ceylon Tea.
1925 Roots of Prime Tea Ceylon
Mr. Omer Salih plants his first tea leaf, beginning the family’s tea legacy, now known as Prime Tea Ceylon, and establishing the roots of an export-oriented Ceylon tea business.
1960 Second Generation Leadership
Mr. Najimudeen Salih strengthens his father’s vision, expanding plantations and enhancing premium-quality tea production, building “our strength”: the legacy of Raxawa/ Prime Tea Ceylon.
2015 Global Brand and Export Expansion
Prime Tea Ceylon Pvt Ltd was founded by Mr. Naleem Najimudeen, transforming the company into a global export powerhouse.
Present Day Decades of Excellence
Headquartered in Colombo and producing for over 17 private brands, Prime Tea Ceylon celebrates more than a decade as a trusted global exporter, delighting discerning consumers worldwide.
- Ceylon Tea Heritage
A Century Steeped in Ceylon Tea Heritage
From our humble beginnings to global recognition, each decade has shaped a legacy of unmatched expertise and passion.
1834 The Dawn of Ceylon Tea
The introduction of tea to British Ceylon under colonial rule sets the foundation for a legacy that would shape the global tea trade.
1867 Ceylon Tea’s Genesis
James Taylor establishes Ceylon’s first commercial tea estate, laying the foundation for the island’s illustrious tea industry.
1873 First International Shipment
Ceylon tea begins its global journey with the first tea export from Sri Lanka in 1873.
1883 Tea Market Foundation
The first public tea auction in Ceylon in 1883 marked a significant milestone in the commercialisation of Pure Ceylon Tea.
1925 Roots of Prime Tea Ceylon
Mr. Omer Salih plants his first tea leaf, beginning the family’s tea legacy, now known as Prime Tea Ceylon, and establishing the roots of an export-oriented Ceylon tea business.
1934 Raxawa Tea Factory Established
Mr. Omer Salih builds Raxawa Tea Factory, enabling premium Ceylon tea processing and boosting the family’s export-oriented legacy.
1960 Second Generation Leadership
Mr. Najimudeen Salih strengthens his father’s vision, expanding plantations and enhancing premium-quality tea production, building “our strength”: the legacy of Raxawa/ Prime Tea Ceylon.
2015 Global Brand and Export Expansion
Naleem Najimudeen expanded Prime Tea Ceylon into a global powerhouse by modernizing the historic Raxawa Tea Factory into the Tea Lounge (2015–2022). By integrating automated processing and organic certifications, the brand secured its place in elite international markets, carrying 150 years of heritage forward.
Present Day Decades of Excellence
Headquartered in Colombo, Prime Tea Ceylon produces and exports premium teas for over 20 private labels worldwide, celebrating more than a decade as a trusted global exporter and delivering authentic Pure Ceylon Tea to discerning consumers across international markets.
1867
Birth of Ceylon Tea
First Plantation
1934
Established
The Roots of Prime Tea Ceylon
20+
Countries Reached Globally
Global Reach
30+
Years of Excellence
Excellence
- Our Facilities
The Home of Tea Mastery
Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, where cutting-edge technology meets generations of expertise to deliver exceptional tea.
Experience our world-class facilities firsthand
- 2015 - 2022
Tea Lounge
Raxawa Tea Lounge was located in the heart of Colombo city and could accommodate 30-35 guests at a time. Valuable customers at the Tea Lounge were always treated to a cup of Raxawa garden-fresh tea, which they enjoyed while seated in the exclusively designed mini garden. The mini garden offered a spectacular sea view and sunset, providing a captivating and mind-blowing sea breeze to those prestigious customers. Raxawa was very well-known for its wide range of Ceylon Tea and spice products. This exclusive Tea Lounge, which had been approved by the Tourist Board of Sri Lanka, gained wider popularity among locals and foreigners day by day.
- Your Private Label Journey Starts Here
Ready to Order Premium Ceylon Tea?
Harness three generations of mastery in Pure Ceylon Tea, supported by deep-rooted heritage, export excellence, and hand-picked fresh tea leaves from our own estate, to create premium products that lead your market niche.
- ISO 22000 Certified
- 30+ Years Experience
- Worldwide Shipping
