80 YEARS ON, BOH STILL HAS THE 'UMMPH!'

By Zulkiple Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) - "We hope to bring the favourite (tea) of
Malaysians into the homes of non-Malaysians".

Those were the words of Caroline Russell, the chief executive officer of BOH
Plantations Sdn Bhd at the company's 80th anniversary celebration carnival held
at the National Zoo here recently.

She was responding to a query by Bernama on BOH's 'grand dream' of the
future.

"Today, BOH is recognised as a household favourite with our eclectic range
of teas that was carefully developed for every age, generations and Malaysian
taste buds.

"We are known as the tea with Ummph!. BOH puts Ummph in life," Russell said
in her speech at the function, earlier.

BOH Plantations passage in the Malaysian tea industry began in 1929 when
J.A. Russell (Caroline's grandfather), saw the potential of tea as an important
crop for Malaya.

This was a start of a heritage that would leave an indelible mark on the
country.

Together with A.B. Milne, a veteran tea planter from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka),
Russell applied for and was granted a concession of land in Cameron Highlands.

Equipped with a single steamroller, some labourers and several mules, they
proceeded to transform steep virgin jungle slopes into the tea garden Malaysians
now known as BOH, the first highland tea garden in the country.

Thus, BOH Plantations was born.

The BOH Plantations founder died at the age of 50 in 1933, four years after
he started what could be labelled as the 'tea that helps create magical moments
of togetherness and bonding'.

BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd is now the leading grower of tea in Malaysia owning
four tea plantations in Cameron Highlands, -- BOH, Sungei Palas, Fairlie and
Bukit Cheeding, a total land area of 1,200 hectares.

The company produces four million kilogrammes of tea annually that
translates to some 5.5 million cups of tea a day.

Meanwhile, the younger Russell said :"Our anniversary celebration is not
just about us, but also for the people who have supported and helped shaped the
company to where we are today".

She said since BOH Plantations' beginning in 1929, the company's purpose has
been to improve lives of consumers, its employees and the community through
production of teas unique in character and distinct flavours.

"Products which are fresh, healthful, refreshing as well as enjoyed and
shared by all," the CEO said.

Russell said BOH wants to share its 80 years of Ummph with all Malaysians by
bringing everyone together and creating lasting bonds and cherished moments.

That sums it up, as Russell puts it:

"BOH helps create these special moments of togetherness and bonding. It is
the glue that binds and strengthens relationships".
-- BERNAMA