The lion logo is a symbol that has been associated with Ceylon tea for many decades. The main reason for having the lion logo is to represent the high quality and prestige of Ceylon tea, which is well known worldwide for its distinctive flavor, aroma, and rich color.
The lion is a symbol of strength, courage, and pride, which aligns with the reputation of Ceylon tea as one of the finest teas in the world. The inclusion of the lion logo on Ceylon tea packaging and marketing materials helps to convey the message that this tea is a premium Sri Lankan product, produced with care and attention to detail, and worthy of the trust and loyalty of tea connoisseurs around the globe.
The rights to the lion logo used on Ceylon tea are owned and controlled by the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB). They have registered the distinctive lion logo as a trademark that can only be used on teas that meet their strict quality standards and originate from the tea-growing regions of Sri Lanka.
According to the guidelines given by Sri Lanka Tea Board, tea that carries the Lion logo must meet the following criteria:
- Pure Ceylon Tea: It must be 100% pure Ceylon tea; it cannot be blended with teas from other countries.
- Grown, manufactured, and packed in Sri Lanka: The tea must be grown, manufactured, and packed entirely within Sri Lanka to ensure its authenticity and quality. Overseas importers, manufacturers, and distributors are not granted the privilege of applying the Lion logo to their packaging, even if the tea inside is 100% Ceylon tea.
Source: Sri Lanka Export Development Board