#202 - Hospitality Meets Roshana Gammampila - Farm-to-Table Tea Dreams and Community Impact

Hospitality Meets... with Phil Street

Someone once said to me that coffee tastes better when it's doing some good. Well today, we can apply that same mindset to Tea.

Summary: In this engaging and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," Phil sits down with the inspiring Roshana Gammampila, who shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in London to managing a tea estate in Sri Lanka. This episode is filled with fascinating discussions, enlightening takeaways, and a sprinkle of fun as Roshana dives into the world of tea, sustainability, and social impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cultural Connections and Challenges:

• Roshana talks about Sri Lanka's Palm Tee community, their economic struggles, and the importance of fair compensation for tea producers.
• Discover the traditional methods in tea production and the effort to revolutionize it for modern sustainability.

1. Entrepreneurial Journey:

• Roshana shares her unique career path, from international aid to corporate tech and finally to entrepreneurship in the tea industry.
• Learn how her background in social justice and non-linear career moves have shaped her approach to business.

1. The Farm-to-Table Model:

• A deep dive into Roshana’s vision for a farm-to-table tea brand in the UK, aiming to shorten supply chains and improve economic outcomes for tea workers.
• Understand the benefits of this model, including lower consumer prices, better retailer margins, and higher quality products.

1. Life Transition:

• The episode sheds light on Roshana's personal shifts, influenced by family moves and adopting two sons, highlighting the balance between work and unexpected parental responsibilities.

1. Tea Industry Insights:

• Eye-opening details about the financial and physical struggles in the tea industry, focusing on the disparity of earnings between producers and retailers.
• Fun fact: The origin story behind the vanilla-infused tea that Roshana's estate produces, inspired by Melbourne's tea culture.

1. Product and Packaging:

• Roshana’s dedication to sustainability shines through as she explains the 100% biodegradable packaging of their products.
• Hear about the painstaking process of perfecting the tea product, tackling issues like the drying process for quality consistency.

1. Future Horizons:

• The exciting future plans for mainstream retail distribution and partnerships in hospitality for in-room tea services.
• Roshana reveals upcoming opportunities for online purchases, making their delicious and ethically produced teas more accessible.

Fun Moments:

• Phil enjoying a cup of Roshana's vanilla-infused tea during the interview.
• Roshana reflecting on the unpredictability and learning experiences of running a tea estate.
• The surprising realisation of career alignment with her early aspirations, making for a heart warming listen.

Listen Now: Join Phil and Roshana for an episode that not only delves into serious social and industry issues but also brims with personal stories, passion for tea, and ambitions to create meaningful change. Tune in for a delightful, informative, and inspiring conversation!

Contact & Follow:

Guest:

Roshana Gammampila - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/devagiri_estate/

Devagiri Estate - https://www.devagiri-teas.com/

Don't miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode to get your dose of motivation and perhaps a sip of something new and refreshing!

The Sponsor

Today’s episode comes to you in partnership with RotaCloud, the people management platform for shift-based teams.

RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from a single, web-based app.

It makes work simple for your team, too, allowing them to check their rotas, request holiday, and even pick up extra shifts straight from their phones.

Try RotaCloud’s time-saving tools today by heading to https://rotacloud.com/phil

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