Adamjee Lukmanjee Estates (Pvt.) Ltd.
The Indian Ocean tropical island of Sri Lanka formally known by names such as Taprobane, Serendib and Ceylon has been famous for its quality spices since time immemorial. The story of spices from Ceylon dates back to 14 th century and evidence has been uncovered of spice trade being conducted through the Roman period.
The Adamjee family’s involvement in the Plantation Industry of Sri Lanka spans well over a 100 years, while the company, Adamjee Lukmanjee Estates Ltd, was incorporated on the 7th of December 1942.
During this long history, it acquired extremely valuable technical knowhow and expertise, to efficiently and profitably manage the 3,650 acres of Tea, Rubber & Coconut crops that it was successfully cultivating.
The Adamjee Lukmanjee family invested in the six estates: St. John’s Estate, Mary Mount Estate, Iranaville Estate, Non-Peril Group Estate, Arapolakanda Estate and Poththode Estate.
The Non- Pareil Estate, Belihuloya, comprised of 1,426 Acres, spread across dramatic differentiation in elevation, i.e. the lower division (Atlanta) being at 1,400ft MSL and the topmost division of Nagrak at about 7,800ft MSL, and traversing in excess of 25 miles of private estate roads. These were originally mere bridal paths for access only on horseback, however the company transformed the same into bituminized 30ft Estate-wide Roadways having 32 hairpin bends traversing the mountains, a momentous engineering feat.
Socialism in the early 1970’s saw a total loss of all estates and properties to the State. The company was faced with near bankruptcy, however the experience and resilience of the prevailing generation steered the establishment through turbulent times, which resulted in the cornerstone of a new phase of growth and diversification, that continues to this day.
Besides their foray into various industries, the 5th generation of the family management has “stuck to their roots” and are engaged in the plantation of :
Pepper – Popularly known as the “King of spices” accounting for the largest percentage in the international spice trade. Sri Lankan black pepper has higher piperine content which conduces to fetch a premium price in international markets.
Cinnamon – A plant endemic to Sri Lanka enjoying over 90% of the world market for true cinnamon.
Vanilla – Sri Lankan Vanilla is manually cured and contains 1.50% of vanillin which has a lower level than other regions resulting a gentler flavour and a smokiness that is desired world over.
Agarwood – Known locally as Wallapatta, is indigenous to Sri Lanka. Oudh Oil, consisting of a soul evoking aroma, is extracted from these trees. It is commonly referred to as “Liquid Gold” as it fetches a higher rate than gold per kilo.
