Tea Producers in Africa: Why Kenya Leads as the Continent’s Top Tea Producer
- Christine Simon
- Sep 15, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
Kenya’s Dominance Among Tea Producers in Africa
As Africa’s largest tea producer and the third largest globally, Kenya is a critical player in the global tea supply chain. In 2024, Kenya exported over 594.5 million kilograms of tea, supplying more than 23% of the world’s black tea exports. This leadership makes Kenya the natural starting point for importers seeking quality, consistency, and scalable supply.
The Evolution of Kenya’s Tea Industry: Over a Century of Excellence
Tea cultivation in Kenya began in 1903, and the industry has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem with:
60% Small-Scale Farmers – Represented by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), ensuring a wide variety of teas from different regions. Explore our different KTDA tea grades.
40% Large-Scale Estates – Managed by the Kenya Tea Growers Association, focusing on high-volume, export-ready teas.
For importers, this dual structure ensures both variety and a stable supply chain supported by established industry governance.
Additionally, a select group of trusted tea exporters—including us—actively participate in the Mombasa Tea Auction, strategically bidding for the best teas to meet the specific requirements of our international clients.
Where the Best Teas Are Grown: Key Kenyan Tea Regions
Unlike other tea producers in Africa, Kenya’s success stems from its perfect natural conditions:
Eastern Highlands: Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri – Known for bright, brisk teas ideal for blending.
Western Highlands: Kericho, Nandi, Sotik, Kisii – Producing bold, full-bodied teas with rich colour and strong flavour.
Thanks to fertile volcanic red soils, consistent rainfall, and high altitudes, Kenyan tea is available year-round without the seasonal limitations seen in other African tea-producing countries.
The Rise of Purple Tea: Kenya’s Unique Offering
Kenya is also home to the rare and highly sought-after Purple Tea, known for its high antioxidant levels and unique health benefits. This specialty tea offers importers access to a fast-growing health and wellness segment, particularly in Europe and North America.
Kenya’s Global Leadership in CTC Tea Production
Kenya accounts for over 90% of Africa’s CTC (Cut-Tear-Curl) tea production, making it the top source for importers seeking teas ideal for tea bags and quick infusions.
Multinational buyers favour Kenyan CTC teas for their:
Bright Liquor and Strong Flavour
Quick Infusion Qualities
Cost-Effective Large-Scale Supply
Interested in private label solutions? Read our post on Private Label Kenyan Tea Opportunities.
Other Top Tea Producers in Africa and the Role of the Mombasa Tea Auction
While Kenya leads tea production on the continent, it also plays a pivotal role as Africa’s tea trading hub. Importers attending or sourcing through the Mombasa Tea Auction don’t just access Kenyan teas, they gain direct access to teas from other top-producing African countries, including:
Uganda – Known for highland teas with brisk, lively flavours.
Rwanda – Specialises in premium orthodox teas with delicate aromas.
Tanzania – Offers both CTC and orthodox teas from its fertile Southern Highlands.
Malawi – A pioneer in African tea production, focused primarily on CTC teas for blending.
Zimbabwe – A smaller producer offering niche CTC tea exports.
The Mombasa Tea Auction acts as the central marketplace for African teas, enabling buyers to source, blend, and negotiate prices for a wide variety of African origins, all in one highly regulated and transparent trading platform.
Case Example: How Importers Maximise Value at the Mombasa Tea Auction
Imagine a tea importer from the United Kingdom is developing a premium private label breakfast tea blend for retail distribution. As exporters, we bid at the Mombasa Tea Auction, to secure:
Kenyan PF1 grade tea for its strong flavour and bright cup colour: perfect as the base.
Rwandan BP1 tea to add delicate floral notes for a more refined taste.
Malawian Fannings to enhance briskness and reduce overall cost.
By leveraging the variety offered at the auction, this importer creates a unique, cost-effective blend that meets both flavour expectations and price targets for their market—without sourcing from multiple suppliers directly.
Did you know some of the world’s top tea brands, including Ahmad Tea, Williamson Tea, and Impra already use Kenyan tea in their blends? Explore these leading brands that rely on Kenyan tea here.
Diversifying with Orthodox Teas: Meeting Premium Market Demands
As the demand for premium teas grows globally, Kenya is diversifying its production into orthodox teas. These are carefully hand-rolled and processed to preserve leaf integrity and unique flavour characteristics.
Kenyan Orthodox Teas appeal to high-end retailers and specialty markets, offering:
Organic and pesticide-free options
Grades like PEKOE, OPA, OP, and GFOP for whole leaf markets
Superior antioxidant content, ideal for the health-conscious segment
Value Addition: Organic Certifications and Private Label Opportunities
Importers increasingly seek partners who can offer:
Organic Certifications for EU and North American markets
Regional Benefits such as COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa)
Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance Compliance
Flexible Private Label Packaging Options to build their own brands
Kenya has invested heavily in meeting these requirements, positioning itself as the go-to source for bulk tea and private label packaging.
Why Importers Prefer Kenyan Tea Over Other African Tea Producers
Kenyan tea plays a crucial role in numerous popular tea blends worldwide, prominently featured in markets across Africa, Europe, CIS, and the Middle East. This makes it a preferred choice among tea blenders and consumers alike because of:
Year-Round Supply with Consistent Quality
Competitive Prices (Average Export Price: $2.27 per Kg in 2024)
Established Export Infrastructure Through the Mombasa Tea Auction
Diverse Product Range: Black Tea (CTC & Orthodox), Green Tea, and Purple Tea
Invest Where Quality Meets Consistency and Market Advantage
Among all tea producers in Africa, Kenya stands out not only for its high production capacity but also as the continent’s central trading hub through the Mombasa Tea Auction.
This gives importers unparalleled access to a wide variety of African teas, sourced efficiently and competitively under one roof.
Whether you’re looking for bulk black teas, premium orthodox teas, purple teas, or private label packaging solutions, Kenya remains the most strategic and reliable sourcing destination for global tea businesses.
Let's explore how we can help you source the finest Kenyan and African teas tailored to your market’s needs.
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