Srilanka, Aug. 21 -- Since inception the plantation industry has served as a central pillar of the Sri Lankan economy. Tea in particular has been the lynchpin of the industry. Especially for globally renowned Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) like Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC, whose teas are possessed of a globally unique terroir that emerges from the soil, elevation and dry winds that move through the valley.

Their teas have a distinctively mellow, smooth, and highly aromatic flavor profile that global connoisseurs aggressively seek out. Yet like all other agri-businesses today, the company faces growing threats from a combination of rising costs, crop disease, climate change and global market volatility.

Spread across tea estat...