Gordon Frazer turns new leaf with Rankahata and Fresh thoughts

Gordon Frazer and Company Limited re-introduced its tea brands, 'Fresh Thoughts' and Rankahata, turning a fresh page in its 94-year history. As a result of a management buy-out in January 2004, the company long associated with John Keells Holdings (JKH) came into its own with a board comprising C. Jagath Fernando, formerly the Deputy Chairman of JKH, Michael J. De Zoysa, former Managing Director, Unilever/Lipton, Fiaz Hamid, former Director - Lipton and Sidath De Alwis, Bosanquet and Skrine Ltd.

'Fresh Thoughts' and 'Rankahata' both well-known tea brands in Sri Lanka withdrew from the limelight in 2003 as a result of the change in management as well as changes in distributorship. The new ownership have spent the past 20 months consolidating the company's position internationally as well as upgrading its food processing facility and is now re-looking at the local market as a potential destination for its strong brands.

Managing Director, De Zoysa said that today's consumers are more discerning in regard to purchase, preparation and consumption of tea and, that packaging as well as cup characteristics play a significant role in ensuring re-purchase.

"We anticipate immense potential within the local tea market for 'Rankahata' and 'Fresh Thoughts' as a result of their distinct taste and superior quality. Consumers want a good cup of tea. Aroma and taste are key and, together with our clearly distinguishable packing and competitive pricing, we have no doubt that great strides will be made.

Chairman of Gorden Frazer, Jagath Fernando stated that the re-introduction of the brands in itself heralds new life for the firm, which retains the name of its founder, a tea expert from Mincing Lane in the U.K. "We are looking forward and outward, toward a very competitive market and one that we are confident we will excel in. Our Vision aims to meet the ever changing demands of consumers both mass as well as niche with competitively priced, quality tea products", he said.