CLEAN: Debate brewing over Sri Lanka tea blending plans

The video discusses the vision of transforming the country into a manufacturing hub, particularly in the tea industry. It highlights the risks associated with importing for blending, such as pesticide residues, which could harm the industry. The challenges of competing in the mass market due to pricing are addressed, and a strategy involving multi-origin blending is proposed as a solution.

What is the main concern associated with importing tea for blending in Sri Lanka?

• High import taxes

• Pesticide and insecticide residues

• Lack of blending facilities

• Insufficient demand for blended tea

Why does Sri Lankan tea struggle in the mass market?

• Limited production capacity

• Lack of marketing strategies

• Inability to compete on price

• Poor quality compared to competitors

What is the proposed way forward for the Sri Lankan tea industry to compete in the mass market?

• Reducing export tariffs

• Implementing multi-origin blending

• Increasing local production

• Focusing on organic tea