Brussels: The Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels organized a ‘Ceylon Tea and Belgian Chocolate Pairing Workshop’ at the ‘Sri Lanka Residence’ in Brussels on 03 June 2025 to enhance the visibility of Ceylon tea in a creative and innovative way in the Belgian market. This event combined Ceylon teas with Belgian artisanal chocolates, offering a sensory experience for tea and chocolate enthusiasts.
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, Regional Director for Europe of the International Tea Masters Association, and member of the European Speciality Tea Association. The workshop was attended by tea importers, distributors, special 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, especially by engaging with local tea companies and experiencing the scenic tea trails across the island’s highlands.
Minister Commercial of the Embassy, Thavishya Mullegamgoda, presented the diversity and key selling propositions of Ceylon tea, inviting participants to discover the story behind each cup from plantation to palate.
Mr. Schoonlandt led the workshop, introducing six varieties of Ceylon teas, including mellow black tea, Ceylon bloom, cinnamon cigar, OP1, FBOPF SP, and spice chai. Each tea was paired with Belgian chocolates like praline, white chocolate, milk chocolate, lime-infused chocolate, and dark chocolate.
Tea samples from Sri Lankan exporters, including Amba Estate, Bogawanthalawa Ceylon Tea (Pvt) Ltd, Kaley Tea Estate, and Rosyth Artisan Teas, were featured in the pairings, allowing participants to explore the distinct flavours, aromas, and textures.
Participants discussed future prospects for expanding the footprint of Ceylon tea in Belgium, while enjoying signature Ceylon tea paired with Belgian chocolates and Sri Lankan finger foods, providing a fitting conclusion to a cultural and gastronomic experience.