We Won Gold at The Leafies 2024!
We're thrilled to announce that Panilkanda Tea has won two prestigious awards at The Leafies 2024, organized by the UK Tea Academy:
🏆 Gold Award – Panilkanda Cinnamon Wiry Threads
🚀 Maverick Award – Innovation in the Tea Industry
This is a proud moment for our 1,800 tea farmers in Sri Lanka's Ruhuna region and everyone who believes in quality, sustainability, and authentic Ceylon tea.
What Are The Leafies?
The Leafies are the most prestigious awards in the global tea industry. Judged by master tea tasters and industry experts, winning a Leafie means your tea stands among the world's finest.
For a small, farmer-focused brand from southern Sri Lanka to win two awards? That's the power of fresh, handcrafted tea made with passion.
Gold Award Winner: Cinnamon Wiry Threads
What Makes It Special?
Our Cinnamon Wiry Threads combines the bold, malty richness of Ruhuna black tea with the warm, natural spice of cinnamon. Hand-rolled by skilled artisans near the Gongala mountain and Sinharaja rainforest, every leaf tells a story.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Sweet cinnamon spice with honeyed malt
- Flavor: Bold, smooth, naturally sweet with warming finish
- Best For: Morning or afternoon, with or without milk
Judges called it "exquisitely balanced" and "a sensory journey."
Maverick Award: Innovation That Empowers Farmers
We didn't just win for great tea—we won for transforming the lives of tea farmers through technology.
Our Mobile App for Tea Farmers
We created a groundbreaking mobile app that:
âś… Connects 1,800+ farmers directly to our buying network
âś… Provides real-time market prices and transparency
âś… Offers farming education and best practices
âś… Ensures fair, instant payments
No middlemen. No delays. Just empowered farmers producing exceptional tea.
This innovation earned us the Maverick Award—and it's changing the tea industry from the ground up.
Why Panilkanda Tea Stands Out
From Rainforest to Your Cup
Our tea grows in the Ruhuna region of southern Sri Lanka, near the UNESCO-protected Sinharaja rainforest. The unique terroir gives our tea:
🌿 Mineral-rich soil from ancient geological formations
🌧️ Optimal rainfall from rainforest microclimate
⛰️ Elevation and temperature for complex flavors
🦜 Biodiversity creating natural balance
Farm-Fresh Guarantee
We work directly with over 1,800 smallholder farmers and ship fresh from our estate—no warehouses, no delays. You taste the difference.
What This Means for You
When you choose award-winning Panilkanda Tea:
🏆 Verified Quality – Recognized by international experts
🌱 Sustainable & Ethical – Supporting eco-friendly farming
🤝 Fair Trade – Empowering farmers with fair prices
🚚 Direct from Estate – Maximum freshness guaranteed
Join the Panilkanda Story
Every cup you enjoy supports real farmers, preserves tea traditions, and contributes to a more sustainable industry.
Whether you're discovering Ceylon tea for the first time or you're a seasoned connoisseur, taste what award-winning quality means.