Business
From import to export – Finch Foods expands international retail presence to Australia
Finch Foods – pioneering Sri Lankan FMCG brand – is furthering its international expansion with the launch of its retail presence in Australia. The move marks yet another turning point for the homegrown company, following four international market launches under the Finch Foods brand within the space of just three years, a company news release said on Wednesday.
This milestone entry includes a dedicated e-commerce site, a listing on Amazon AU, and ongoing discussions with major supermarket chains, specialty stores, and distributors. Australian consumers can now access Finch Foods’ extensive portfolio of high-quality signature spices and seasonings, coconut products, gluten-free flours, ayurvedic and herbal products, and natural food colourings that showcase the rich variety and distinctiveness of Sri Lankan ingredients, it said.
“Australia has always been a key market for Finch Foods – one with immense potential to enter, develop, and scale,” says Fawaz Fassi, Founder & Managing Director of Finch Foods. “This expansion reflects the growing global demand for authentic Sri Lankan heritage ingredients, and we are excited to bring our unique offerings to Australian consumers.”
Founded in 2015 as a 100 per cent import-driven company, Finch Foods entered the food industry by becoming the exclusive agent for renowned international brands such as Bragg Live Foods (USA), The Berry Company (UK), Kewpie (Japan/Malaysia), Cornish (UK), Pokka (Singapore), and Nando’s Grocery; bringing superior flavours and ingredients from around the world to Sri Lankan consumers.
However, the global pandemic followed by local economic instability severely tested this business model, and in just a few years since inception, it was time for the company to rethink its operations. In 2022 Finch Foods set its sights outwards by looking inwards; having discovered that there was a wealth of incredible spices, herbs, and ingredients to be found right here in Sri Lanka – robust and nuanced flavours that would surely intrigue culinary tastebuds from around the world.
“As a pioneer in culinary innovation, our vision is to harness the rich and diverse culinary tradition of Sri Lanka while also bridging the growing disconnect between food and its heritage,” Fassi adds. “At Finch Foods, we recognized the need to add unique value to our products—offering new and exciting options for consumers while distinguishing ourselves from more traditional exporters in the market.”
In 2023, Finch Foods celebrated the opening of its first independent store in Havelock City Mall, Colombo, and expanded its international footprint; establishing a retail presence in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, and Canada, becoming a key supplier to Japan, and securing a partnership with global retail giant Lulu Group in the UAE. This shift to exports has allowed the company to adapt to different market requirements, leveraging its wide product range to remain flexible in catering to diverse consumer needs.
“As Finch Foods continues to expand its distribution network and strengthen its presence in Australia, the company is also poised to to focus on accelerating its global expansion, breaking into new markets, while also further diversifying its product portfolio,” the release concluded.
In a world where every strong cuppa tells a unique story, Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon Tea continues to carve its legacy – one cup at a time. The latest tea export figures for March 2025 reveal a tale of resilience, with total shipments rising to 23.43 million kilograms, up from 21.25 million kgs the previous year.
But the real headline is; Libya’s staggering 416% surge in Ceylon Tea imports – marking a bold new chapter in Sri Lanka’s tea trade. While traditional markets like Iraq and Russia held steady, Libya emerged as the ‘breakout star’, importing 5.31 million kgs in the first quarter of 2025 – a jaw-dropping leap from just 1.03 million kgs in 2024.
This explosive growth signals a burgeoning demand for Sri Lanka’s premium leaves in North Africa, where the rich, aromatic flavors of Ceylon Tea are winning hearts and palates.
Quadrupling Libya’s appetite for Ceylon Tea even in challenging global markets, is reflecting the fact that Sri Lanka’s tea can find loyal fans in evolving markets.
However, while the export values shine in USD terms, the rupee value of tea exports dipped slightly – a stark reminder of currency fluctuations impacting export earnings. Yet, the broader trend remains positive for Ceylon Tea, with cumulative exports for Q1 2025 reaching 63.21 million kgs, up from 62.33 million kgs last year.
Key markets like Iraq (+7%) and Chile (+41%) showed strong growth, while Russia and the UAE saw mild declines. Meanwhile, Tea Bags and Instant Tea have posted gains even in rupee terms – marking a bright spot in an otherwise mixed landscape, where Tea in Bulk and Green Tea segments have witnessed a decline against the same period of the previous year.
On the production front, tea production for the month of March 2025 totalled 24.43 M/Kgs, showing an increase of 4.86 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 19.57 M/Kgs of March 2024. All elevations showed an increase in comparison with the corresponding month of 2024.
“As Sri Lanka’s tea industry navigates global headwinds, the increase in production and Libya’s soaring demand could offer a breather,” analysts said.
(Source: Forbes & Walker Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka Customs, Central Bank of Sri Lanka)
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Photo Credit: Sri Lanka Executive Aviation Services
In a groundbreaking collaboration set to transform Sri Lanka’s premium coffee landscape, Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
This exclusive partnership presents a rare opportunity for coffee aficionados to experience firsthand why DeLonghi has become synonymous with coffee perfection worldwide.
With a heritage spanning over 100 years, DeLonghi proudly holds the title as the number one coffee machine brand in more than 46 countries, celebrated globally for its exceptional quality, innovation, and unrivaled Italian craftsmanship. Fits Retail’s collaboration with Abans PLC brings these legendary machines directly to Sri Lankan coffee enthusiasts, creating immersive experience zones designed to elevate everyday coffee moments into extraordinary rituals.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide.
Business
Ceyline Group and Lion Brewery Forge a Sustainable Future with Eco-Friendly Warehousing and Distribution.
Ceyline Total Solutions, the end-to-end logistic solutions provider of Sri Lanka’s leading maritime and logistics group Ceyline, has built Lion Brewery’s first sustainability-focused warehousing and distribution center in just 100 days.
Located in Tangalle, the facility reflects a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Half of the structure is made from repurposed shipping containers, reducing both waste and carbon emissions. The project, executed by Ceyline’s brand for sustainable living spaces “Out of the Box” features interior fittings made from recycled and reused brewery waste materials, maximizing sustainability and cost efficiency. Ceyline also has already applied for CEB approval to install solar power for the facility to ensure its operation is powered by clean and green energy.
Lion Brewery will further its mission for an efficient and eco-friendly supply chain by incorporating elements such as electric forklifts, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting.
This collaboration not only delivers a pioneering green logistics facility but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable warehousing in Sri Lanka. It showcases the power of collaborative innovation in driving responsible industrial development.
Kaveen Gayathma, Senior Vice President (Outbound Logistics) of Lion Brewery, added, “This project further strengthens our distinctive ‘route-to-market’ approach. Our collective efforts in conceptualizing,
drafting, and crafting have culminated in the creation of a truly one-of-a-kind model. The company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability is clearly demonstrated here, all while achieving our strategic objectives in a practical and cost-effective manner.”
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