Rainforest Alliance Certified Plantations

All 17 plantations under Watawala Plantations, have obtained certification from the Rainforest Alliance, thereby demonstrating compliance with rigorous global standards relating to the wellbeing of associates, their families and the environment. Some of Zesta’s most popular teas are sourced from these plantations that have voluntarily adopted environmental and social best practices. Watawala Plantations PLC is part of Watawala Tea Ceylon Ltd of which Zesta is the flagship tea brand.

The certification is given to organisation that satisfy the stringent conditions of environment, by eco-system, wildlife, soil and water conservation, community relations by good working conditions for workers, fair treatment and occupational health and safety and through economic aspects such as integrated crop and waste management.

The Rainforest Alliance Accreditation guarantees that our estates meet global sustainability standards such as improved conditions for workers and relationships with local communities and reduced operational and reputational risk. It also helps reaffirm our strong emphasis on sustainable and ethical business practices.  Watawala plantations is already compliant with several other global standards as well, such as the Ethical Tea Partnership and Fair Trade. Local requirements are also met through the Sri Lanka Standards Institution – Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Central Environment Authority.

Watawala Plantations ensures the well-being of its associates through initiatives such as the maintenance of 90 Child Development Centres in our estates while also providing sanitation facilities for over 10,000 families.