In February 2026, a strategic commercial origin visit was organised in Sri Lanka by Fairtrade NAPP, welcoming business delegates from Fairtrade Norway — Tone Cecilie Faugli (CEO) and Kristin Oishi (Project Manager) along with Reitan Retail- the parent company responsible for overarching strategic direction across Nordic markets and their retail brand REMA 1000.

The visit was supported by Noramix Trade AS- their key sourcing and trading partner who plays a critical role in connecting origin supply chains with Nordic retail markets. Acting as the primary interface between suppliers in Asia and Nordic retailers, Noramix ensures that all sourcing meets stringent standards related to food safety, sustainability, and social responsibility thereby, placing strong emphasis on transparency and stakeholder engagement.

The engagement was therefore designed as a business-focused supply chain exploration, strengthening commercial partnerships, enhancing transparency, and identifying future sourcing opportunities across both the tea and coconut sectors, while providing a firsthand experience of the journey of Fairtrade products — from producers and processors to international retail markets.

The visit was strategically structured to enable delegates to gain a comprehensive understanding of production realities at origin, assess sustainability performance across suppliers, strengthen long-term sourcing relationships, explore product innovation and market expansion opportunities, and connect directly with producers, exporters, and national stakeholders.

Facilitated by Fairtrade NAPP Country Programme Managers M.V. Iresha Sanjeewanie and Arm Arutselvan, the programme created space for meaningful dialogue between commercial buyers and supply chain actors — ensuring alignment between market expectations and producer realities.

Exploring the Coconut Value Chain – Silvermill Natural Beverages, Giriulla

The visit began with a commercial engagement at Silvermill Natural Beverages Pvt Ltd, a historic Sri Lankan coconut processor and exporter. Delegates gained a comprehensive understanding of the coconut supply chain through a tour of processing facilities and export operations.

Discussions focused on sourcing models, sustainability practices, traceability systems, and certification pathways essential for Fairtrade market access. Noramix’s role in evaluating such suppliers and ensuring compliance with buyer requirements added important commercial context to these engagements.

The delegation also met smallholder producers supported under the NAPP Commercial Venture (NCV) initiative, enabling direct dialogue on producer readiness, market integration, and the Living Income Reference Price.

Overall, the engagement centered on scaling Fairtrade-certified coconut sourcing while strengthening confidence in supplier capacity, operational reliability, and long-term partnership potential.

Deep Dive into the Tea Supply Chain

The visit continued with a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s tea sector. At Adam Expo, the delegation explored how exporters are adapting to evolving retail demands through product diversification, white-label opportunities, and modern processing technologies. The company’s investment in renewable energy solutions further demonstrated its commitment to sustainability.

From a commercial perspective, these engagements were particularly relevant for Noramix, whose role includes aligning supplier capabilities with European retailer expectations. Discussions focused on product specifications, quality assurance systems, and opportunities for innovation and future market growth.

Engagements with the Sri Lanka Tea Board provided a broader industry perspective, including dialogue on promoting certified and ozone-friendly teas, advancing Geographical Indication (GI) initiatives, and exploring joint marketing collaborations.

The visit culminated at Wanaraja Estate of Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC, where delegates experienced the human impact behind certified products. Activities included factory and field visits, tea tasting, engagement with estate workers and Fairtrade Premium Committees, and review of community development initiatives.

The meetings with the tea pickers were powerful and underscore the importance of meaningful dialogue with all parties in the value chain.

Building the Future of Responsible Trade

The visit reaffirmed that sustainable sourcing is strongest when retailers engage directly with origin partners. Through Noramix Trade AS’s facilitation and expertise in supplier management, combined with the strategic direction of Reitan Retail and the active participation of REMA 1000 and Fairtrade Norway, as well as the contextual knowledge and facilitation of representatives from Fairtrade Sri Lanka, the delegation was able to gain a holistic understanding of the supply chain — from production to retail.

By experiencing production systems, meeting workers, and understanding challenges firsthand, commercial partners can make informed sourcing decisions that balance quality, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

For the delegation, the journey strengthened trust across suppliers and opened pathways for expanded collaboration — demonstrating that responsible trade is built through partnership, transparency, and shared value creation.