Ceylon tea is one of the world's most recognisable origins. Launching a private label tea brand sourced from Sri Lanka is more accessible than most buyers expect. This guide covers MOQs, packaging formats, label requirements, and lead times.
Private Label Tea from Sri Lanka: MOQ, Packaging & Process
Ceylon tea carries built-in brand equity — the Lion Logo, origin authenticity, and global recognition mean that a private label Ceylon tea brand has a credible story before a single box is sold. Whether you are a retailer, wellness brand, or food service buyer, here is exactly how the process works.
Step 1: Choose Your Tea Type
Ceylon tea comes in several categories:
- Black tea: OP, BOP, BOPF, Pekoe grades — full-bodied, suits English Breakfast, breakfast blends
- Green tea: Gunpowder, Sencha-style — lighter, suits health and wellness positioning
- White tea: Silver Tips, White Pekoe — ultra-premium, low production volumes
- Flavoured tea: Base Ceylon black/green blended with natural flavours — bergamot, jasmine, ginger, etc.
- Herbal blends: Moringa, gotukola, cinnamon — Sri Lanka-specific botanicals
Step 2: Select Packaging Format
| Format | MOQ | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Loose leaf, bulk bag | 10 kg | Food service, wholesalers |
| Pyramid tea bags (25/50 ct) | 500 boxes | Premium retail |
| Standard tea bags (25/50/100 ct) | 1,000 boxes | Mass retail, e-commerce |
| Tin caddy, loose leaf | 500 units | Gift, specialty retail |
| Sachet retail carton | 2,000 units | Supermarket retail |
Step 3: Label Requirements
Your private label must include: brand name, tea type and grade, net weight, country of origin ("Product of Sri Lanka"), best before date, brewing instructions, and importer details (required in EU/US). If using the Sri Lanka Tea Board Lion Logo, a licence from the Tea Board is required — Ceylon Aroma can facilitate this.
Step 4: Lead Times
- Sample approval: 7–14 days
- Label design and print: 2–3 weeks (buyer provides artwork or we design)
- Production and packing: 2–3 weeks
- Shipping (sea freight to EU/US): 25–35 days
Total first-order lead time: approximately 8–10 weeks from artwork approval.