We Did It! Panilkanda Tea Wins World's Best Black Tea at World Tea Expo 2024
March 2024 – We're thrilled to announce that Panilkanda Tea has been awarded Best Black Tea at the prestigious World Tea Expo 2024 Beverage Challenge, the largest and most respected gathering in the international tea industry. Our FBOPF Extra Special tea also won the Origin Winner Award for Sri Lanka, making it a double victory that celebrates both our craftsmanship and the rich tea heritage of our homeland.
A Global Stage for Sri Lankan Excellence
Held in Las Vegas and attended by tea producers, retailers, and experts from around the world, the World Tea Expo 2024 Beverage Challenge was a fierce competition. Teas from over a dozen countries were submitted and evaluated live on stage by a panel of expert judges who assessed each entry on leaf style, make, cup character, liquor appearance, and overall finish.
Among hundreds of entries, our FBOPF Extra Special black tea stood out—not just as the best in its category, but as a proud representative of Sri Lanka's world-class tea tradition.
What Makes Panilkanda's FBOPF Extra Special Award-Winning?
FBOPF stands for Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings, a premium grade of black tea known for its briskness, rich flavor, and beautiful appearance. Our FBOPF Extra Special is grown at elevations near the Sinharaja rainforest and Gongala mountain in the Ruhuna region of southern Sri Lanka—an area renowned for producing teas with bold character and natural sweetness.
What sets our tea apart:
Direct from 1,800+ farmers – We work hand-in-hand with local tea farmers who've been cultivating tea for generations. This direct relationship ensures quality control from leaf to cup.
Freshness guaranteed – Unlike teas that sit in warehouses for months, our award-winning tea is processed and shipped fresh, so you experience the full depth of flavor and aroma.
Sustainable and ethical – Every cup supports small-scale farmers and sustainable agricultural practices that protect Sri Lanka's precious rainforest ecosystems.
Expertly crafted – Our tea masters use time-honored techniques combined with modern innovation to produce teas that consistently win international recognition.
Recognition from Industry Leaders
Tim McLucas, Vice President of Bar & Restaurant Group, praised the competition: "The Beverage Challenge celebrates diversity, innovation in flavor and the artistry of tea. I commend each of these participants for showcasing such quality products in this spirited competition."
For us at Panilkanda, this award validates years of dedication to quality, sustainability, and the art of tea-making. But more than that, it's a testament to our farmers—the true heroes behind every cup.
From Ruhuna to Your Teacup
This isn't our first international honor. We previously won the Gold Award at The Leafies 2024 for our Panilkanda Golden Wiry Threads tea. These accolades are more than trophies on a shelf—they're proof that when you choose Panilkanda, you're choosing tea that's been recognized by the world's most discerning experts.
Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or just beginning your journey into loose-leaf Ceylon tea, our award-winning FBOPF Extra Special offers a taste of Sri Lankan heritage in every sip—bold, bright, and unforgettable.
Experience World-Class Tea for Yourself
Ready to taste the tea that won Best Black Tea at World Tea Expo 2024? Visit our online store and discover why tea lovers in the UK, USA, Australia, and beyond are choosing Panilkanda for their daily brew.
About the World Tea Expo
World Tea Expo is the tea industry's premier international event, bringing together producers, buyers, retailers, and tea enthusiasts from across the globe. The 2024 Beverage Challenge marked the inaugural year of this competition, making Panilkanda's win even more historic. The next World Tea Expo is scheduled for March 24-26, 2025 in Las Vegas.