Sri Lankan retail tea chain Island Tea has opened for the first time in its home territory with its first branch in Ella.

The Ceylanka Trading-owned chain has blossomed in the Philippines over the past two years with more than 35 branches selling specialty Ceylon teas and fusion blends. The brand offers a range of popular drinks, including a variety of milk teas as well as fruit teas & green teas.

Following the signing of franchise agreements in Columbo between ITC’s marketing director for the Philippines, India and Qatar Minodh de Sylva and Wild Holidays Limited chairman Vijith Welikala, the brand plans to expand in key Sri Lankan cities with an offering that is distinct from other local tea houses.

As well as Sri Lanka, the firm also plans to further expand in the Philippines, India and Qatar this year.