Zesta Revives its Iconic Storytelling Legacy with the Launch of its New Commercial

Zesta Tea, the premium tea market leader under Sunshine Consumer Lanka, took centre stage once more as it premiered its much-anticipated commercial at an exclusive screening hosted at PVR Cinemas, One Galle Face, recently. The event welcomed an intimate audience comprising digital content creators, collaborators and longstanding stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the return of a name synonymous with memorable storytelling.

Two and a half decades ago, Zesta etched itself into Sri Lankan advertising folklore with a now-iconic commercial that continues to evoke fond recollections. Viewers still speak of the distinctive ‘ting-ting’ sound, the girl in the white shirt, the husband making tea and of course, the way she said ‘Zesta’. That moment wasn’t just a commercial, it was a cultural bookmark that helped define the personality of a tea that many still brew every morning.

Revisiting the appeal of its original commercial, Zesta reignited that sense of playful romance through the ‘My Zesta Story’ campaign, which invited tea lovers to reinterpret the brand’s legacy in their own creative way. The response from aspiring storytellers was both heartfelt and imaginative, setting the stage for Zesta’s return to meaningful storytelling.

Reflecting on the evolution of Zesta, Kavi Rajapaksha, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunshine Consumer Lanka, shared, “Zesta has always represented more than just a cup of tea, and our commercials have left lasting impressions because they capture life’s small yet meaningful moments. This new commercial is not only a return but also a reminder of who we are and what our tea has meant to generations of Sri Lankans.”

Zesta unveiled its new brand film that marks a bold return to its storytelling roots, thoughtfully brewing familiar elements from its iconic predecessor into a fresh and emotionally resonant narrative that offers a cinematic expression honouring the brand’s heritage while meaningfully connecting with today’s audience.

Samadhi Tennakoon, Senior Brand Manager – Zesta at Sunshine Consumer Lanka, commented, “This premiere marks a meaningful moment for us as a brand that has always valued emotional storytelling. It’s more than just the launch of a commercial, it’s a celebration of the journey Zesta has taken and a reflection of how far we have come while inviting audiences to be part of where we go next.”

Zesta has evolved from pioneering commercials to championing user-generated content, becoming one of the most recognisable names in Sri Lanka’s tea landscape. This campaign is not only a tribute to where the brand has been but also a clear sign of where it is headed, with the people at its heart.

From its modest beginnings 25 years ago, Sunshine Holdings PLC’s consumer segment has now grown into one of the top players in the FMCG sector of the country. Consisting of the largest branded tea company in the country with a sub segment leadership in the hard-boiled candy category, the sector boasts an annual turnover of Rs. 19 Bn. The three tea brands Zesta, Watawala and Ran Kahata sell exceptionally well in their respective segments while 75+ products including Daintee (toffees and chocos), Milady (candies) and Xtra (lozenges and gums) of the recently acquired Daintee Ltd. are among some of the most popular confectionary brands in the country, with more than 90% penetration across the entire grocery channel. Sunshine Tea (Pvt) Ltd., fully acquired by the Group in 2022, serves as Sunshine Holdings’ export arm and is consistently ranked among the top exporters of high-end Ceylon Tea. The Company exports over 200 varieties of the finest teas grown in the island, including the flagship brand of the group Zesta and three other prominent brands of its own, namely AvanTea, Gordon Frazer and Teazup to an exclusive clientele scattered over 40 countries, earning foreign exchange to the country.

(Ends)

Photo Caption: (Seated from left to right) Kavi Rajapaksha, Chief Marketing Officer, Sunshine Consumer Lanka, Dilshara Jayamanna, Chief Creative Officer, DEFY, Prasanga Jayathunga, Group CEO, MTM Group and Hisham Zulfiqar, Co-founder, Digibrush, alongside the moderator, sharing their insights.