Merrill Fernando is happy all the profits from Dilmah stay in Sri Lanka, benefiting the community and his workers. Photo / Martin Sykes
The founder of Dilmah tea, Merrill J. Fernando, has one overarching philosophy he lives by: "We come into this world with nothing, we leave taking nothing away with us. Therefore those of us who are blessed with success and wealth must share it with the poor in the
community."
The 77-year-old Sri Lankan first appeared on television screens in New Zealand around 15 years ago imploring Kiwis to drink Dilmah tea with his catch-phrase: "Do try it."
And Kiwis have embraced his single-origin tea, with Dilmah now the number one tea in New Zealand.
Mr Fernando, who has been in the tea business for 57 years, started out working for an American petrol company, but was soon selected for training as a tea taster, before winding up owning his own tea company.
He launched the Dilmah brand in 1988, naming the product after his two sons, Dilhan and Malik.
Mr Fernando, who is in New Zealand catching up with friends and customers, believes the more you give, the more you receive. And he's big on giving.
He regularly donates money to charities, and his MJF Charitable Foundation, which is funded from Dilmah profits, has done a lot to help families and villages in need. The foundation funds and manages over 150 projects each year, assisting almost 10,000 disadvantaged people.
And looking after his employees is an issue close to his heart. He ensures they have good working conditions and are well looked after.
He is proud that all the earnings from the family business stay in Sri Lanka, are shared with his workers and the community, and reinvested into making sustainable tea.
His favourite black tea is Ceylon Supreme, but he also likes Green Tea with Moroccan Mint. "At home I drink about six or seven mugs of tea a day. When I travel I drink coffee."
And the tea he can't stomach? Anything that is old and stale.
MERRILL'S TOP TEA TIPS
* Boil cold water from tap.
* Use fresh tea.
* Place cup on saucer to retain flavour.
* Steep teabag for at least three minutes.
* Add a dash of warm milk, if required.
* Try honey instead of sugar.
