Kenya has earned its place as one of the world’s top exporters of tea, renowned for its high-quality black tea that is sought after globally. The country’s tea industry continues to thrive, supported by both long-established firms and newer players who are making a mark in the international market. In this article, we delve into the leading tea exporters in Kenya, highlighting the companies that have contributed to Kenya’s tea export dominance.
Understanding Kenya’s Tea Export Landscape
Kenya is the world’s leading exporter of black tea, known for its strong and full-bodied flavors. With its ideal growing conditions, the country produces some of the highest quality tea in the world. The tea industry is an essential part of Kenya’s economy, providing employment to thousands and contributing significantly to the country’s export earnings.
Kenyan tea is predominantly grown in the highland areas of regions like Nandi, Kericho, and Kiambu, but it is also cultivated in many other regions across the country. The export sector is largely composed of both large multinational corporations and smaller, locally-owned enterprises that have successfully entered the global market. These companies are involved in various stages of the tea supply chain, including growing, blending, packaging, and distribution.
List of the Top 10 Tea Exporters in Kenya
Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the top Kenyan tea exporters who have successfully navigated the global market.
1. Global Tea & Commodities Ltd
Global Tea & Commodities is a fully integrated tea company with a reputation for providing complete tea trading solutions, including procurement, warehousing, and packaging. The company operates across the entire supply chain, ensuring quality control from the farm to the global market.
- Location: Mombasa
- Contact: +254 41316 399 / 311 963
- Email: mail@globaltea.co.ke
2. James Finlay (Mombasa)
Established in 1750, James Finlay is a key player in the Kenyan tea industry and part of the Swire Group. The company has deep expertise in tea, coffee, and horticulture, with its products reaching international markets around the globe.
- Location: Mashundu Street, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 41 224 057
- Email: jfmsa@jamesfinlay.co.ke
3. Unilever Kenya Ltd
Unilever, a global consumer goods giant, has a strong presence in Kenya’s tea export market. The company produces and exports a wide range of tea products, including its popular brands like Lipton. Unilever’s tea operations in Kenya supply numerous international markets, ensuring a constant demand for Kenyan tea.
- Contact: +254 41 225 254/205, +254 709 050 600
4. Lutex Limited
Lutex Limited specializes in exporting a variety of tea types, adhering to international quality standards. The company focuses on providing both bulk tea and packaged products, catering to local and international markets.
- Location: Makarios Road, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 41 222 3040 / +254 722 871 756
- Email: lutex@lutex-ltd.com
5. Cargill Kenya Limited
Cargill Kenya is part of the international Cargill corporation, known for its supply chain expertise. The company focuses on blending and exporting high-quality tea, with a solid presence in the Kenyan tea auction and export markets.
- Location: Shimazi Industrial Area, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 41 225 701
6. Summer Tea
Summer Tea is a bulk tea trader and packaged tea retailer that specializes in selling Kenyan black tea. The company serves both the local market and exports its products globally, maintaining a strong footprint in the international tea trade.
- Location: Near Posta Makupa, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 775 243 324 / +254 758 395 225
- Email: info@summertea.co.ke
7. Stansand Africa Ltd
Stansand Africa is known for sourcing and exporting premium Kenyan tea to the global market. The company offers a variety of tea blends and works with key international partners to ensure its tea reaches diverse markets.
- Location: 3rd Floor, Tea House, Nyerere Avenue, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 41 222 4673 / +254 41 222 7112
- Email: stansand.kenya@tataglobalbeverages.com
8. Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings Limited (KTDA)
The KTDA is one of Kenya’s leading tea exporters and the largest producer of black tea in the country. It manages numerous smallholder tea factories and provides a range of high-quality tea products. KTDA plays a vital role in shaping the local and international tea trade.
- Contact: +254 020 2211 240
- Email: info@kdateas.com
9. Chai Trading Company Limited
Chai Trading Company is a significant player in Kenya’s tea export market. The company has a reputation for exporting top-grade Kenyan tea to a wide range of international markets. It offers competitive pricing and quality tea to its customers.
- Location: Miritini, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 20 2037927 / +254 020 2048311
10. L.A.B. International Ltd
L.A.B. International specializes in trading black tea and operates both locally and internationally. The company buys tea at auctions and privately sources tea from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, providing a diverse range of products to global buyers.
- Location: Chai Street, Off Shimanzi Road, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 733 227 989 / +254 735 227 989
- Email: Trading@LABKenya.com
11. Buy Kenyan Tea
Buy Kenyan Tea is another significant exporter in the Kenyan tea sector. This company focuses on providing a variety of tea types including CTC Black Tea, Orthodox Tea, Green Tea, Purple Tea, and White Tea, catering to global demand with high-quality products.
- Location: Ratna Square, Nyali, Mombasa
- Contact: +254 723 202 692
- Email: info@buykenyantea.com
Why Kenyan Tea is a Global Favorite
Kenyan tea enjoys a strong reputation for its bold flavor and robust quality. The country’s high-altitude growing regions, combined with favorable climate conditions, produce some of the finest black tea in the world. Kenyan tea is particularly popular for its consistency, brightness, and briskness.
Kenya’s strategic location near major shipping routes has also played a role in ensuring that its tea reaches markets efficiently. Additionally, Kenya’s tea industry has benefited from strong infrastructure, including modern tea processing factories and a developed transport network.
The Role of Technology and Sustainability in Kenya’s Tea Export Sector
As the global tea market evolves, Kenyan exporters are increasingly focusing on sustainability and adopting technology to improve production efficiency and meet the growing demand for ethical sourcing. Innovations in tea processing, packaging, and quality control have enabled Kenyan exporters to maintain their competitive edge.
Sustainability is also becoming a central theme, with many exporters embracing environmentally friendly farming practices. For example, some companies are investing in organic farming and fair trade certification, helping to improve both the environmental and social impact of tea production.
Challenges Facing Tea Exporters in Kenya
Despite its success, the Kenyan tea export industry faces several challenges, including:
- Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns and erratic rainfall can affect tea production, leading to fluctuations in supply and price.
- Market Competition: As other countries like India, Sri Lanka, and China continue to grow their tea exports, Kenyan companies must find innovative ways to differentiate their products.
- Fluctuating Prices: The volatility in global tea prices can impact the profitability of Kenyan tea exporters, particularly smallholder farmers.
How to Get Involved in Kenya’s Tea Export Sector
If you’re interested in entering the tea export industry in Kenya, there are several routes you can take:
- Partner with Established Exporters: Many tea companies in Kenya welcome partnerships or offer export services to smaller producers looking to sell their tea internationally.
- Build Your Brand: With the right approach, you can create a niche product by focusing on quality, sustainable farming practices, or specialized blends that cater to specific markets.
- Explore Online Platforms: Websites like Buy Kenyan Tea and other e-commerce platforms offer opportunities for direct sales to international buyers, bypassing traditional distribution methods.
Kenya’s Tea Export Industry—A Global Leader
Kenya’s tea industry continues to grow, with many companies contributing to the country’s dominance in the global market. From long-established firms like James Finlay to newer players like Buy Kenyan Tea, these companies are shaping the future of tea exports. As the market becomes more competitive, Kenyan tea exporters will need to embrace sustainability, innovation, and technology to stay ahead.
Interested in sourcing the best Kenyan tea or learning more about the tea export sector? Connect with one of the top exporters listed above and explore how Kenya’s tea can elevate your business.
