COLOMBO – 31 August 2026 – Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC (CTB), a stalwart in Sri Lanka’s demanding tea industry, has announced a robust financial and operational performance for the financial year ended 31st March 2026. The release of its Annual Report highlights two decades of steady presence and significant growth, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the global tea value chain, even amidst challenging economic and geopolitical landscapes.
The company, marking its 20-year milestone, demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategic adaptability, achieving record revenues and a remarkable return to group-level profitability. This performance underscores CTB’s unwavering commitment to providing clarity, stability, and confidence to its diverse stakeholders.
Strong Financial Performance and Expanding Market Footprint
For the financial year 2025/26, Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC reported impressive growth across key financial metrics:
- Group Revenue: Surged by 13% to an unprecedented Rs. 1,545.30 million (up from Rs. 1,370.44 million in FY2024/25).
- Company Revenue: Grew by 13% to Rs. 1,128.30 million (from Rs. 1,001.49 million in FY2024/25).
- Group Profit After Tax (PAT): Marked a significant turnaround, reaching Rs. 135.58 million, compared to a loss of Rs. 18.29 million in the previous year.
- Company PAT: Increased to Rs. 138.79 million, up from Rs. 121.20 million in FY2024/25.
- Total Assets: The Group’s total assets expanded by 34% to Rs. 5,034.96 million.
- Market Share: CTB strengthened its market presence, with its share by quantity sold rising to 16.69% (from 15.95%) and by value to 17.00% (from 16.12%).
The growth was primarily driven by increased brokerage income due to higher transaction volumes, enhanced contributions from its logistics arm, Logicare (Pvt) Ltd, and a significant rise in interest income from client financing activities, which saw Rs. 1,522.66 million extended to tea producers.
Navigating a Complex Operating Landscape
The Chairman’s Message highlighted Sri Lanka’s continued economic recovery, with GDP growth reaching 5.0% in 2025 amidst a deflationary environment and a strengthening rupee. Tourism and worker remittances also saw record highs, bolstering the nation’s external sector. Despite this positive domestic trajectory, global challenges, including the Middle East conflict, introduced significant uncertainty, particularly impacting energy markets and trade flows.
Within this context, the Sri Lankan tea industry delivered a commendable performance, with export volumes and earnings growing year-on-year, even after the severe disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025. CTB’s ability to navigate these complexities speaks volumes about its operational agility and deep industry knowledge.
Integrated Services and Operational Excellence
Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC’s success stems from its integrated business model that extends beyond mere transactions. The company provides crucial manufacturing advisory services, offering market intelligence and technical guidance to producers to enhance tea quality and marketability. Furthermore, its client financing initiatives play a vital role in supporting the working capital needs of tea suppliers, ensuring operational continuity within the tea value chain.
A notable achievement was the significant turnaround of its fully-owned subsidiary, Logicare (Pvt) Ltd. Through disciplined cost management and an improved revenue mix, Logicare moved from an operating loss to an operating profit of Rs. 54 million, establishing a stronger foundation for future growth in logistics and warehousing services.
Commitment to People, Technology, and Sustainability
The Annual Report emphasizes CTB’s investment in human capital and technological advancements. The Group’s workforce grew to 125 employees, benefiting from 547.5 hours of structured training across various expertise areas. The company maintains a strong commitment to diversity, with a male-to-female ratio of 78:22, and ensures equal opportunities.
Digital transformation remains a core strategic pillar, with enhanced analytical capabilities, a robust cybersecurity framework, and the “Digital Buyers’ Portal” streamlining information sharing and improving the overall customer experience. These digital interventions ensure CTB remains at the forefront of innovation in the tea trade.
CTB’s dedication to sustainability is embedded in its operations, guided by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The company actively manages its natural capital by reducing fuel (3% reduction), water (2% reduction), and paper (17% reduction) consumption. Its “Tea-Growing Community Fund,” which allocates Rs. 0.025 for every kilogram of tea sold, demonstrates its social responsibility, further exemplified by timely relief efforts during the Ditwah disaster.
Outlook for Sustainable Prosperity
As Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC looks ahead, it remains confident in its underlying strengths and future opportunities. The company plans to continue strengthening its core tea broking operations, enhance advisory services, and explore diversification opportunities within the broader plantation and agricultural value chain. With strong corporate governance, resilient external positions, and a dedicated team, CTB is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Sri Lanka’s globally renowned tea sector.
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