The Star Sydney dunks a deal with Dilmah
The Star Sydney has announced a five-year partnership with world leading tea producers Dilmah, sending hospitality staff to Sri Lanka for an advanced course in the company’s pioneering international ‘School of Tea’.
The partnership will see an extensive range of single origin teas and herb infusions, including luxury and rare teas, served across The Star’s numerous food and beverage outlets, hotels including in-room amenities, as well as at events and conferences.
Training and an intensive educational program at the ‘School of Tea’ in Colombo, Sri Lanka - the first and only World Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS) certified tea school, is also being served up as part of the arrangement.
With over 1.4 million tea bags dunked at The Star every year, General Manager Food & Beverage and Events Jason Alcock said, “It was important for us to source a tea supplier that not only provided an exceptional product and a wide variety of teas but aligned with our customer service and sustainability values.”
“Dilmah’s ethical approach to the processes and production of tea and its focus on sustainability, such as the use of biodegradable tea bags, resonated with our hospitality staff.
“It also provided a unique learning opportunity for The Star’s talented hospitality team to attend the school in Colombo for an immersive education in the artistry of tea growing, making and brewing,” Mr Alcock said.
“The teachings included everything from tea tastings, food pairings to tea-inspired gastronomy and mixology, which will be skills and knowledge that can be shared across our food and beverage team to ultimately elevate the cuppa to a new and memorable customer experience.”
One of the most popular beverages in the country, Australians drink an average of 9.5 cups of tea per person each week.
Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s son Dilhan, Chairman of Dilmah Tea explained, “Tea is an ancient herb that was discovered for its medicinal properties and has evolved into a natural drink with wonderful variety, taste and goodness.
“My father devoted his life to offering the finest Ceylon Tea to Australians, with kindness to people and nature. Our partnership with The Star is a milestone in that journey with hospitality inspired by tea, its taste and plant-based wellness.”
Mia Sim, Venue Manager at The Star Sydney said attending the tea school in Sri Lanka and meeting members of the Dilmah family was a career highlight.
“It was an incredible experience that gave me a new awareness and appreciation of tea,” Ms Sim said.
“Much like wine, there are so many different tea varieties to appeal to all tastes and I learned a range of skills on how best to brew, serve and even pair tea to food.”
The Star Entertainment Group, 3rd April 2024
