Dilmah’s School of Tea received a World Association of Chefs' Societies (Worldchefs) recognized culinary education institution at the 43rd School of Tea held recently. Worldchefs is composed of 10 million chefs and the Dilmah School of Tea is the first and only Worldchefs certified Tea School.
After a week of observation in Sri Lanka, Worldchefs Education Director John Clancy awarded the certification to Dilmah’s School of Tea for having a high standard of training and skills development for continuing professional development.
“This has exceeded all expectations, and the philosophy behind the Dilmah family's business is outstanding” said Clancy, at the presentation. In his approval letter he further stated, “Our panel reviewed the evidence provided by your company, and determined that Dilmah met and exceeded our Standards for an approved Culinary Training Status. On behalf of Worldchefs it is our pleasure to approve your training center and programs and the first organization in Asia to receive this seal of approval”.
Dilmah and the Lyon based center of culinary and hospitality excellence institute Paul Bocuse announced a partnership in establishing the first international tea school in October 2009.
The 43rd Session of the School of Tea (SOT) was held at the Blue Waters Hotel in Wadduwa with a record number of participants attending. The Dilmah SOT takes participants on a journey through the history of tea, its manufacture, and culture and how this versatile and healthy herb goes beyond being just a beverage. The SOT alumni are taken into the innovative world of tea in the 21st Century with tea gastronomy, mixology and pairing. The Dilmah School of Tea seeks to inspire passion in tea through knowledge of the artisanal aspects of tea amongst hospitality professionals, tea aficionados and consumers. (www.schooloftea.org) The School of Tea has been held in over 18 countries worldwide with 2829 SOT alumni up to date.
Dilmah has taken the lead in bringing innovation to the global tea industry through signature events such as the Chefs and the Teamaker and Real High Tea which seek to educate and inspire hospitality professionals to offer new tea experiences to guests. It helps re-introduce this healthy and versatile beverage to a whole new market.
Dilmah is Ethical Tea, in that all packaging profits are retained in Sri Lanka and fund the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. The family business is based on the philosophy that Business is a Matter of Human Service. (www.mjffoundation.org)
