Brussels: Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels organized a ‘Ceylon Tea and Belgian Chocolate Pairing Workshop’ to enhance the visibility of Ceylon tea in a creative and innovative way in the Belgian market at the ‘Sri Lanka Residence’ in Brussels on 03 June 2025. This 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.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event was collaboratively organized with Stijn Van Schoonlandt, owner of Kruze Tea Belgium, a certified Tea Master, international speaker, the Regional Director for Europe of the International Tea Masters Association, and a member of the European Specialty Tea Association. It was attended by tea importers, distributors, specialty tea shops, tea sommeliers, chocolatiers, and connoisseurs from Belgium.

Ambassador Chandana Weerasena welcomed the guests and 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 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 paired with a curated selection of Belgian chocolates, including praline, 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 flavors, aromas, and textures.

Participants discussed future prospects for expanding the footprint of Ceylon tea in Belgium and tasted signature Ceylon tea paired with Belgian chocolates while enjoying Sri Lankan finger foods, providing a finish to a rich cultural and gastronomic experience.