Arab News Japan
OSAKA: French tea house JANAT Paris has set a Guinness World Record for the world’s most precious tea, sold for ¥1,250,000 at an auction organized by the Sri Lanka Tea Board with support from the Japan Tea Association during Expo 2025 Osaka.
The record was officially confirmed on the day of the auction.
The event showcased Sri Lanka’s rarest hand-crafted teas, drawing bids from leading international buyers and luxury tea brands. JANAT Paris secured the top lot, reaffirming its reputation for sourcing and blending some of the world’s finest teas.
“JANAT has been growing and sharing these precious teas from unique plantations with our customers for years. Today, this achievement is a recognition of our dedication to tea excellence,” Charlotte Dubois, Vice President of Sustainability at JANAT Paris said.
Beyond setting a record, the auction served a humanitarian purpose, raising funds to support Sri Lanka’s tea-growing communities. Proceeds will help sustain livelihoods, preserve artisanal traditions and protect the legacy of Ceylon tea.
JANAT Paris also reiterated its commitment to women’s empowerment through its Femmes du Monde Foundation, which promotes education, entrepreneurship and social independence among women in tea communities and beyond.
“This record is not only a remarkable achievement for Sri Lanka’s tea industry, but also a testament to the enduring cultural and social value of tea,” said Anil Cook, senior auctioneer. “We are deeply grateful to JANAT Paris for their continued support of Ceylon tea and the communities behind it.”
The milestone adds another layer to JANAT’s identity, which is famous for its “lucky cats,” as the brand celebrates becoming both lucky and precious in name and spirit. The company now plans to expand its international distribution and develop partnerships with leading hospitality and premium retail brands.
AloJapan.com