BOH celebrates 95 years of tea excellence

OH, Malaysia’s largest tea producer and trusted tea grower of Cameron Highlands, marked its 95th anniversary with a vibrant community celebration at 1Utama in Petaling Jaya. Themed “95 and Brewing for Tomorrow,” the event paid homage to the legacy of BOH’s innovative strides in the tea industry, initiated by its late former Chairman, Datuk Tristan Russell.

Under Datuk Tristan Russell’s visionary leadership, BOH modernized tea manufacturing by investing in advanced techniques and infrastructure. To honor his contributions, a limited edition canister named Tristan’s Reserve was specially commissioned as part of the 95th celebrations. This commemorative tea canister serves as a tribute to Russell’s lasting impact on BOH’s operations and the tea industry.

Caroline Russell, Executive Director of BOH and granddaughter of founder J.A. Russell, shared her gratitude for the community’s support over the decades. She emphasized BOH’s commitment to sustainability and community connections, encapsulated in the celebration’s theme. “Our fervent wish is that our communiTEA, both today and in the future, can build endearing connections and bonds as they share experiences, enhance their wellbeing, and enjoy different Ummph moments together,” Caroline said.

Embracing SustainabiliTEA

As a fully integrated tea company, BOH continues to bring consumers the freshest teas, direct from ‘tea bush to teacup’. This commitment extends to sustainability practices that are deeply embedded in its operations. Jason Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BOH Plantations, outlined several initiatives aimed at integrating sustainability into BOH’s operations.

“About 45% of our land in the Cameron Highlands is preserved as forests, maintaining a balanced ecosystem that preserves biodiversity and soil integrity,” Foo explained. BOH employs responsible agricultural practices, such as selecting the best teas for planting, growing anti-pest plants to reduce pesticide use, and planting grass to prevent soil erosion.

At BOH’s popular tourist tea centers, the company uses biodegradable paper straws and oxo-degradable bags, while food waste is composted into fertilizer. Additionally, BOH is transitioning all packaging to recyclable and biodegradable materials, using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests. Solar panels at BOH’s factories further reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Celebrating with the Community

A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the BOH Wish Tree initiative. Community members were invited to pen their ideas on how they can join BOH in brewing a better tomorrow for Mother Earth. For every wish card collected, BOH will contribute RM 20 to the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Center (TRCRC) in support of urban biodiversity efforts. BOH aims to collect 1,000 cards and channel RM 20,000 to fund the collection of 500 new seedlings, which will be nurtured by TRCRC for future tree-planting exercises.

Pledgers will also have the opportunity to attend a fully sponsored workshop, “Caring for Our Forest,” at TRCRC’s Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre in Shah Alam on October 5, 2024, in conjunction with World Habitat Day. They will have a hands-on opportunity to transplant some seedlings, contributing directly to urban biodiversity enhancement.

The celebration at 1Utama featured a range of activities and games to engage the community, offering insights into BOH’s ongoing initiatives and how the public can support a better tomorrow. BOH’s brand ambassadors added glamour to the event, with Fazura unveiling her new collection of Fazura Tudung, specially designed for BOH’s 95th anniversary. Azira Shafinaz is scheduled to make a special appearance with a performance on July 20th.

As BOH continues to innovate and expand its range of teas to cater to local and international tastes, it remains committed to sustainability and community engagement. The 95th-anniversary celebration not only honored BOH’s rich legacy but also set the stage for a future where sustainability and community connections are at the heart of its operations.

For more information about BOH and its initiatives, visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.