Brussels: The Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels recently hosted a ‘Ceylon Tea and Belgian Chocolate Pairing Workshop’ at the ‘Sri Lanka Residence’ to creatively enhance the visibility of Ceylon tea in the Belgian market. The event, held on 03 June 2025, uniquely combined the renowned Ceylon teas with Belgian artisanal chocolates, offering an immersive sensory experience for enthusiasts of both delicacies.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event was collaboratively organized with Stijn Van Schoonlandt, the owner of Kruze Tea Belgium. Schoonlandt is a certified Tea Master, international speaker, Regional Director for Europe of the International Tea Masters Association, and a member of the European Speciality Tea Association. The workshop attracted tea importers, distributors, specialty tea shops, sommeliers, chocolatiers, and connoisseurs from Belgium.
Ambassador Chandana Weerasena welcomed the guests and encouraged them to explore business and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing engagement with local tea companies and the scenic tea trails in the island’s highlands.
Thavishya Mullegamgoda, the Minister Commercial of the Embassy, presented the exceptional diversity and key selling propositions of Ceylon tea, inviting participants to discover the unique journey of Ceylon tea from plantation to palate.
Mr. Schoonlandt conducted the workshop, showcasing six distinct varieties of Ceylon teas-mellow black tea, Ceylon bloom, cinnamon cigar, OP1, FBOPF SP, and spice chai. Each tea was paired with Belgian chocolates, including praline, white, milk, lime-infused, and dark chocolates.
The event featured tea samples from Sri Lankan exporters such as Amba Estate, Bogawanthalawa Ceylon Tea (Pvt) Ltd, Kaley Tea Estate, and Rosyth Artisan Teas, allowing attendees to appreciate the unique flavors, aromas, and textures.
Participants discussed future prospects for Ceylon tea in Belgium, savoring signature tea paired with chocolates and Sri Lankan finger foods, concluding a rich cultural and gastronomic experience.