Colombo Tea Convention focus on livelihoods
The Colombo Tea Convention scheduled to be held in July 24-26 with a focus on the livelihoods of the people on the estates and its stakeholders aims at achieving US$1.3 billion in revenue this year.
The convention has been branded under the theme “Tea: A Lifestyle and A Livelihood” that will generate a dialogue on globally applicable, sustainable solutions to uplift diverse tea communities and tea growing environments across the world.
The convention will cover the entire tea value chain with insights from producers from countries like Kenya, Sri Lanka, China and India, market perspectives from industry experts in countries like Japan, UK, GCC and USA; consumer perspectives from the biggest global retailers, analysis from climate experts, innovations of leading brands, and organisations promoting social values.
Colombo Tea Traders Association Chairman Sanjaya Herath addressing a media briefing to announce the event said about 600 delegates will participate at this convention.
He pointed out that the tea sector must attune itself to the current global trends and a rejuvenation of the industry was required by stakeholders in the private sector as the industry has witnessed a decline in production as last year produced just 250 million kg a decline from the usual quantities of 300 million kg.
With fertiliser prices increasing smallholders have been unable to apply adequate amounts, as a result of which the production levels have dropped. The government has been providing some relief to the smallholders by reducing the price by Rs.2000 per 50 kg bag of fertiliser.
During the convention the delegates will get to visit the tea factories upcountry and in the South. In addition, a charity auction will be held during the convention with the proceeds to be given to the children of estate workers and smallholders.
The logo of the Tea Convention represents the tea leaf and a coming together of the different stakeholders namely the consumers, workers, retailers, importers and exporters.