Merril J. Fernando Founder & Dilhan C. Fernando CEO of Dilmah Tea

Talking Business with Alan Kohler

Merrill J. Fernando was amongst the first group of Ceylonese to learn the art of tea tasting. Similarly laudable is the philosophy around which he formed his brand – making business a matter of human service. That philosophy is fulfilled in the work of his MJF Charitable Foundation which uses a minimum 10% of the pretax profits of Dilmah and its ancillary businesses, to provide nutrition, education, care and support to differently abled children, youth in marginalized communities, the elderly. Each of over 100 projects is designed around the principle of dignified empowerment, and touches the lives of over 10,000 families each year.

The global tea company began its journey in 1988 right here in Melbourne, when Mr. Fernando convinced Coles to be the first stockist of his single-origin tea. Today, Dilmah turns over more than $US500 million a year and employs over 15,000 workers throughout the world. Merrill discusses the Dilmah story, his final farewell to his involvement in the business and to share more about the philanthropic work Dilmah is doing.

Dilhan C. Fernando is the CEO of Dilmah Tea and is the younger son of Dilmah Founder, Merrill J. Fernando. The names of Dilhan and his brother Malik form the 'Dilmah' brand, the first producer owned tea brand.

Mirroring his father's devotion to tea, Dilhan's mission is the fulfilment of the pledges his father made in the 1950s, as a young Tea man with a big dream. His commitment is to resist the commoditization that devastated a tea industry that was previously characterized by small, and passionate family enterprises. He also shares his father's vision to bring quality and authenticity back to tea, and secondly, whilst doing so, to share the success of that business with the underprivileged. In addition to his responsibilities in tea, Dilhan also manages the humanitarian and environmental outcomes of Dilmah.

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