Daintee is a company based in Sri Lanka that produces confectionery and other food products. It is the market leader in confectionery sales in Sri Lanka.[1]
History
Daintee Limited, a family owned and operated company, was founded in 1984, in collaboration with English confectionary firm Barker and Dobson.[2] In 1996 it was renamed Daintee Foods Limited. In 2020 the company was acquired by Sunshine Holdings for Rs. 1.7 billion, through Watawal Tea Ceylon, a subsidiary of Sunshine Holdings.[3][4]
The company now produce a very large product range consisting of over 75 products such as candies, toffees, jellies, chocolates, gum, desserts, biscuits, sugar free confectionery, snacks, breakfast cereals,[5] teas, and noodles. These are marketed in Sri Lanka as well as several other countries under brand names such as Daintee, Milady, Bensons, Chito, X-tra, Mr Bitz, Longlive and Denmi. Daintee maintains a 40 percent market share in toffees and sweets in Sri Lanka.[2]
Sugar Free Confectionery
In 2010 Daintee launched a range of sugar free confectionery under the brand name Longlive. The products contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that has been claimed as promoting dental health.[6]
References
- [Sunday Observer Article http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/04/11/fin06.asp ]^
- Daintee celebrates four decades of sweet success Daily Mirror, 20 April 2024, retrieved 16 July 2025^
- Sunshine acquires Daintee, diversifying its business beyond Watawala tea The Island, 10 August 2020, retrieved 16 July 2025^
- Sri Lanka’s Sunshine Holdings to buy Daintee for Rs1.7bn EconomyNext, 9 August 2020, retrieved 16 July 2025^
- Daintee diversifies into breakfast cereals The Sunday Times, 11 April 2010, retrieved 16 July 2025^
- Healthy oral-care habits for your daily routine The Sunday Times, 16 May 2010, retrieved 16 July 2025^