Russel's Group ventures into spices

by Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

The Russel's Group of Companies has carved out a name for itself as a professional service provider in its chosen fields, due to its exceptional service delivery.

Launched in 1988 by Russel Perera and his wife Bernie, the company initially engaged in serving prepared tea at large establishments. It gradually expanded to the tea retail business, catering, fashion and design. Recently it ventured into spices, mainly curry powder, made to a special recipe by the head chef.

Coffee is the latest addition to its product portfolio.

"We serve prepared tea to employees of 63 companies. We provide morning and afternoon tea and also cater to board meetings and special functions. Our main kitchen in Maradana has the capacity to prepare food for over 5,000.

"Recently at an open air sports festival organised by LB Finance, Russel's catered to 2,200 people," Perera told Sunday Observer Business.

The full-fledged kitchen provides all types of dishes including Eastern, Western, Japanese and Chinese. Russel's provides meals, buffet style, to Duetch Bank, HSBC headquarters and the Call Centre at Town Hall on a permanent basis.

Russel's has a staff of 210 and some of whom have been with the company since inception. The secret of its success is the dedication and commitment of the staff.

"All our staff uniforms are made in-house. We do a genuine job and are not concerned about competition. The people who look for quality come to us. We provide services at our price with a guarantee of value for money," he said.

"I have two sons, Jehan and Rashen. They are being trained in the tea sales and service sectors," Perera said.

"A commitment to service and social responsibility is a value engrained in every aspect of our business. Delivering the best goes beyond regular business at Russel's. We carry out our work carefully.

"With innovation and strong strategy, Russel's has rapidly expanded ensuring optimum quality," he said.

The company offers a range of teas in bag form, packets and in bulk form.

It also specialises in an assortment of speciality teas such as flavoured tea, fruit tea and herbal tea.

Quoting Vince Lombardi, Perera said, "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand".

Russel's Group, General Manager Linsey Fernando said that during his 18 years at Russel's he witnessed the booming of the Russel's Group from a single business proposition. T

oday it comprises five separate companies, Tea Lounge and Gallery, Catering, Tea Distribution, Tea Service and Tailoring and Fashion Design Department.

"My responsibility is to take care of the staff in all the departments. This has not been a difficult task since all staff follow the motto 'Be prepared and plan ahead'," he said.