SereneTea Blogs

We’re still buzzing from the energy, conversations, and countless cups of tea shared at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025, held at Olympia London earlier this September. It was an honour for Serene Tea to be part of this incredible celebration of food innovation, artisanal craft, and passionate producers from around the world.

Here’s a look back at some of our favourite moments from the event and what’s next for SereneTea!

Sharing Our Passion for Sri Lankan Tea

Set at Stand 1240, we welcomed visitors into a space that reflected the heart of SereneTea, calm, elegant, and rooted in nature. From casual browsers to global distributors, tea lovers of all kinds stopped by to explore our collection and experience the serenity we strive to bottle in every cup.

Our full tea range was on display, including:

• Black Tea

• Green Tea

• Silver Tips

• Black Tea Blossom (our award-winning bloom!)

• White Tea Blossom

• Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

• Heen Bovitiya

• Cinnamon Tea

• Lemongrass Tea

Whether it was a first-time sip or a return visit, we were blown away by the warm responses and genuine curiosity about Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage.

Celebrating Our Great Taste Award

SFFF 2025 was made even more special by the opportunity to celebrate our One-Star Great Taste Award, recently awarded by the Guild of Fine Food for our Black Tea Blossom. It was incredibly rewarding to share this achievement in person with so many of you, and to watch new visitors light up as they watched the tea ball bloom and experienced its soft, floral finish for the first time.

Connecting with the Global Food & Drink Community

One of the biggest highlights of SFFF was the sense of connection and community. We met fellow entrepreneurs, passionate buyers, chefs, tea sommeliers, and curious food lovers, all with a shared appreciation for authenticity and quality.

We had valuable conversations about ethical sourcing, sustainability, and innovation in tea , topics close to our heart and embedded in everything we do at SereneTea. These dialogues reminded us why we started this journey and how much potential lies ahead.

What’s Next for SereneTea

We return from SFFF energised, inspired, and excited for what’s next. With new partnerships in motion and many more conversations to follow up on, this event was more than just an exhibition , it was a launchpad for growth.

We're working on:

• Expanding our international reach

• Exploring new blends and formats

• Strengthening our presence in both retail and hospitality spaces

• Continuing to invest in sustainable practices and community partnerships in Sri Lanka

And of course, we’re always listening, learning, and brewing up new ideas.

Thank You

To everyone who visited our stand, tasted our teas, and shared your stories, thank you. Your support means the world. A special thank you to ITC for their continued belief in our vision and for supporting us on this journey.

If you didn’t get a chance to visit us at SFFF, you can explore our award-winning teas online:
www.serenetea.lk/products/tea-range

At SereneTea, we recently had the honour of being awarded a One-Star Great Taste Award for our Black Tea Blossom, a proud moment that reflects not only our passion for tea, but the quality and care that goes into every cup. But what exactly does it mean to be a Great Taste Award-winning product? And what sets those products apart?

In this article, we break down what it takes to earn one of the most respected accolades in the food and drink world, and why it matters for brands and consumers alike.

What Are the Great Taste Awards?

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food in the UK, the Great Taste Awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world.” Products are judged by panels of food critics, chefs, retailers, restaurateurs, food writers, and other industry experts, all blind tasting and scoring products based purely on quality.

With over 14,000 entries from across the globe each year, only a small percentage are awarded stars. Earning even one star is a clear marker of excellence.

What Makes a Product ‘Great Taste’?

1. Exceptional Flavour

This is the most important criterion. Products must deliver a flavour that is balanced, distinctive, and satisfying. Judges look for natural depth, freshness, and complexity, not overpowering additives or artificial enhancements.

Our Black Tea Blossom was praised for its "delicate pale straw colour, soft floral aroma, and malty flavour with a gentle astringency", qualities that reflect our commitment to preserving the purity of our leaves.

2. Craftsmanship & Quality of Ingredients

Whether it's a simple ingredient or a complex blend, Great Taste judges value products that reflect attention to detail, skill, and sourcing integrity. This includes how the ingredients are grown, harvested, processed, and combined.

At SereneTea, all our teas are handcrafted and sourced from single-estate plantations in Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on sustainable farming and ethical practices.

3. Authenticity & Story

Great Taste isn’t about trends or gimmicks, it’s about genuine, honest food and drink that respects heritage and origin. Judges often respond to products that tell a story and evoke a sense of place.

Our teas are inspired by Sri Lanka’s rich tea culture and centuries of artisanal practice. Each blend represents a connection to the land, our people, and a slower way of life that invites you to pause and savour.

4. Aromatics, Texture & Finish

Beyond taste, the judges also assess aroma, mouthfeel, and aftertaste. Does it linger pleasantly? Is the aroma inviting? Is the experience harmonious from first sip to finish?

These subtle sensory elements are what turn a good product into a truly Great Taste product.

Why It Matters for You

When you see the Great Taste logo on a product, you can feel confident that it’s been independently judged to the highest standards. It’s a shortcut for trust, especially in a crowded market full of over-promising labels.

For retailers and stockists, it signals quality and consistency. For consumers, it’s a badge of authenticity, something genuinely worth tasting.

What It Means for Serene Tea

For us, earning a Great Taste Award isn’t just a win, it’s a benchmark. It validates our process, uplifts our team, and reminds us why we do what we do.

But more importantly, it connects us to a wider community of people who value quality, sustainability, and craft. Whether you're discovering Serene Tea for the first time or have been sipping with us for a while, we’re so proud to share this milestone with you.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Explore our award-winning Black Tea Blossom and discover the full Serene Tea range,  lovingly made in Sri Lanka, and now recognised on the world stage.

Browse our teas