This maker advertises his teas as "ethically grown." Dilmah, founded by Merrill J. Fernando, seeks to revive the tea trade in his native Sri Lanka, and to grow blends that favor local regions in this island rather than cheaper pekoe dust and mass-production methods that fail to move multinational profits back into the community. Similar to what some coffee exchanges are doing, Dilmah aims to do for tea-- to help Third World economies and sustain rural livelihoods. … more
I toured the Lover's Leap plantation and processing plant in Sri Lanka in early 2010. They sell to many other resellers. It's a big operation, but still very simple in many ways. For example, they keep their records with paper and pen, measuring tons of tea leaves picked and processed. They offer very nice tours with guides that speak English. Stay close so you can hear them and ask questions. Having seen the process … more