Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels organised a ‘Ceylon Tea and Belgian Chocolate Pairing Workshop’ to enhance the visibility of Ceylon tea in more creative and innovative way in the Belgian market at the ‘Sri Lanka Residence’ in Brussels on 03 June 2025. This unique event combined the elegance of world-renowned Ceylon teas with Belgian artisanal chocolates, offering an immersive and sensory experience for tea and chocolate connoisseurs alike.
The event was collaboratively organized together with the owner of Kruze Tea Belgium, a certified Tea Master, international speaker, the Regional Director for Europe of the International Tea Masters Association and the member of the European Speciality Tea Association, Stijn Van Schoonlandt, and was attended by tea importers, distributors, special tea shops, tea sommeliers, chocolatiers, and connoisseurs from Belgium.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Chandana Weerasena invited participants to explore business and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly by engaging with local tea companies and experiencing the scenic tea trails across the island’s highlands.
Minister Commercial of the Embassy Thavishya Mullegamgoda, made a presentation highlighting the exceptional diversity in Ceylon tea and key selling propositions for Ceylon tea. She invited the participants to discover the unique story behind every cup of Ceylon tea from the plantation to the palate.
Mr. Schoonlandt conducted the workshop segment, introducing six distinct varieties of Ceylon teas ranging across mellow black tea, Ceylon bloom, cinnamon cigar, OP1, FBOPF SP, and spice chai. Each variety was thoughtfully paired with a curated selection of Belgian chocolates, including paraline, white chocolate, milk chocolate, lime-infused chocolate, and dark chocolate.
Tea samples received from Sri Lankan tea exporters, namely Amba Estate, Bogawanthalawa Ceylon Tea (Pvt) Ltd, Kaley Tea Estate, and Rosyth Artisan Teas, were featured in the pairings and displayed at the venue, allowing participants to explore the unique flavours, aromas, and textures.
Participants discussed future prospects for expanding the footprint of Ceylon tea in Belgium, and they tasted signature Ceylon tea paired with Belgian chocolates while enjoying Sri Lankan finger foods, providing a perfect finish to a rich cultural and gastronomic experience.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
09 June 2025
