Creating a perfect cup of tea is an art and a science. At the heart of this process is the journey from leaf to cup — a journey that Mabroc Teas has mastered over decades. As a respected Ceylon tea exporter, Mabroc combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver premium Ceylon tea and black tea to consumers worldwide.
In this article, we take you behind the scenes to explore how Mabroc ensures quality at every step — from tea plucking in the Sri Lankan highlands to packaging and global shipping.
1. Selecting the Ideal Tea Gardens
Mabroc’s journey starts in Sri Lanka’s renowned tea-growing regions — Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula, and others. These areas offer unique climatic conditions that contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of Ceylon tea.
Altitude: Higher elevations produce lighter, more floral teas, while mid and low elevations yield stronger, full-bodied teas.
Climate: Mist, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations affect leaf growth and quality.
Soil: Rich, volcanic soil adds mineral depth.
Mabroc partners closely with trusted estates committed to sustainable farming and ethical labor practices, ensuring top-notch raw materials.
2. Hand Plucking for Quality
The picking process is critical. Skilled tea pluckers carefully harvest only the two youngest leaves and the bud — the “fine pluck” that yields the best tea.
Hand plucking preserves leaf integrity and ensures uniformity, crucial for flavor and aroma.
3. Withering: Preparing the Leaves
Freshly plucked leaves are spread on racks to wither. This process reduces moisture content and makes leaves pliable for rolling. The timing of withering is closely monitored to avoid over or under-drying, which can affect taste.
4. Rolling: Shaping and Flavor Development
Rolled leaves undergo mechanical rolling to break cell walls, releasing enzymes that kickstart oxidation. This process shapes the leaf and develops flavor precursors. Mabroc uses precision machinery to maintain consistency without damaging delicate leaves.
5. Oxidation: The Key to Black Tea
After rolling, leaves are spread out in controlled environments to oxidize. This chemical process darkens the leaves and creates the rich flavors characteristic of black tea.
Mabroc’s expert technicians regulate temperature and humidity to optimize oxidation, resulting in teas with balanced strength and aroma.
6. Drying: Locking in Freshness
Once oxidation is complete, the leaves are dried using hot air to halt the process and remove remaining moisture. Proper drying ensures shelf stability while preserving essential oils that provide aroma.
7. Sorting and Grading
Mabroc employs both automated and manual sorting to separate leaves by size and quality:
Whole leaf grades like OP (Orange Pekoe)
Broken leaves such as BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe)
Fannings and dust used for tea bags
Each grade serves different market needs but maintains high quality.
8. Quality Testing
Samples from each batch undergo rigorous sensory and laboratory tests, including:
Taste evaluation by experienced tea tasters
Chemical analysis for moisture, tannins, and purity
Checks for contaminants or foreign matter
Only teas meeting Mabroc’s strict standards proceed to packaging.
9. Packaging: Preserving Premium Quality
Mabroc uses advanced packaging technology to preserve freshness:
Foil-sealed bags with oxygen absorbers to maintain aroma
Pyramid tea bags that allow whole leaves to infuse fully
Attractive retail packaging that highlights quality and origin
Custom branding options for private label customers
Packaging design also considers sustainability with recyclable materials.
10. Export and Distribution
As a top Ceylon tea exporter, Mabroc’s logistics ensure timely delivery worldwide. The company maintains:
Efficient export documentation and certifications
Cold chain and temperature control where necessary
Partnerships with reliable shipping companies
Responsive customer service and after-sales support
This ensures Mabroc tea arrives fresh and ready for the consumer’s cup.
11. Innovation and Customer-Centric Approach
Mabroc continuously invests in research to innovate blends and meet evolving consumer preferences. Whether creating flavored teas, organic options, or wellness blends, Mabroc listens to global markets while preserving authentic Ceylon tea qualities.
The excellence of Mabroc’s tea is no accident — it’s the result of careful selection, expert craftsmanship, strict quality control, and dedicated export practices. From the misty hills of Sri Lanka to your cup, every step is managed with care.
As a trusted Ceylon tea exporter, Mabroc continues to set the standard for premium Ceylon tea and black tea, delivering a taste of Sri Lanka’s heritage to tea lovers worldwide.