However, during our trip with the German Tea & Herbal Tea Association and our visit to the Tea Board of Kenya, it became clear that the country is developing at a rapid pace. As tea traders, we have been following this development at close quarters for years.
Why Kenya offers particularly good conditions for tea
Kenya plays a central role in the global tea industry. The country is one of the world’s largest tea producers and ranks among the leading exporters of black CTC tea. For many international companies, Kenya is therefore a key source for reliable supply chains and consistently high quality. The favourable
growing conditions were particularly evident on the ground: tea estates at higher altitudes of between 1,500 and 2,200 metres, a stable climate and fertile soils promote healthy growth and reduce pest pressure. Another important factor for European markets is that many Kenyan tea varieties reliably meet the high standards for residue safety and purity.
The main benefits of Kenyan teas
Kenya stands out thanks to a combination of:
- consistent quality
- high delivery capacity
- professional market structures
- favourable natural growing conditions
- growing potential in the premium segment
Kericho – The heart of the Kenyan tea industry
One of the highlights of our trip was Kericho, one of Kenya’s most important tea-growing regions. During our meeting with senior political representatives of the Kericho County Government, it became clear just how significant tea is for the region’s economy: as a source of employment, an export commodity and a driver of innovation.
At the same time, producers and institutions are making targeted investments in processing, quality and new product segments. This is particularly evident in the expansion of orthodox tea production. New production lines, better-trained specialist staff and a stronger focus on leaf quality are resulting in teas with significantly more distinctive flavour profiles. Increasingly, teas with floral, fruity and clearly defined notes are being produced.
Mombasa Tea Auction
A key trading centre for African tea
A particular highlight of the trip was a visit to the Mombasa Tea Auction, one of the largest tea auctions in the world. Teas from Kenya and other African countries of origin are traded there. For many decades, trading took place in the traditional auction hall; today, it is largely organised digitally.
In discussions with representatives of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), we gained valuable insights into the organisation of the modern tea trade. The auction is regarded as an important price indicator for the international tea trade and highlights Mombasa’s significance as a benchmark market for East and Central Africa.
Sensory evaluation: Kenyan tea as an alternative to Assam
Kenyan tea offers an exciting complement to Assam in many applications. It is often lighter, more direct and more vibrant, whilst Assam impresses above all with its depth, malty notes and body.
This paints a nuanced picture for purchasing: Kenyan tea does not completely replace Assam, but can be used selectively to complement, structure or enhance the sensory profile of certain blends.
Ways to use Kenyan tea in blends
Kenyan black teas are ideal, for example, for blends such as:
English Breakfast: Kenyan tea adds colour, freshness and vibrancy to the blend.
East Frisian blends: When combined with Assam, Kenyan tea can enhance the body and cup colour.
Flavoured black teas: Kenyan tea serves as a clear, stable base for fruit, spice and chai profiles.
- Milk tea and chai: Full-bodied Kenyan black teas complement milk and spices well.
When tea from Kenya stands out on its own
Orthodox Kenyan teas should not be viewed merely as ingredients in blends. High-quality varieties can also be very exciting when enjoyed on their own, particularly when the leaves have been carefully processed and their character comes through clearly. This makes Kenyan tea well-suited to high-quality single-origin teas, modern black tea ranges and speciality tea concepts.
Travel highlights – Exchange along the value chain
Conclusion: Kenya is set to be one of the most exciting emerging markets in the coming years
Our trip has shown that Kenya remains a key source of reliable CTC black teas, whilst at the same time developing into an exciting source of high-quality orthodox teas, green teas and speciality teas. We were particularly impressed by the professional structures, the investment in processing and quality, and the high standards maintained throughout the entire value chain.
This opens up new opportunities for the European tea trade: Kenya can specifically strengthen classic blends, whilst also enriching premium ranges, single-origin concepts and modern blend developments.
At Wollenhaupt, we have been working for many years with selected tea partners in Kenya and other East African countries of origin. Our Tea Trading department deals in bulk consignments from Kenya and other East African countries of origin, such as Rwanda and Mozambique, and continuously monitors developments on the ground.
Are you interested in tea from Kenya and East Africa?
Our tea traders will be happy to advise you on available grades, current market trends and suitable solutions for your range.
One more note for our specialist retail customers:
From July, we will be expanding our catalogue range for specialist retailers to include selected teas from Kenya. Further information will follow shortly via our customer newsletter and our social media channels.
About the author:
Marco Sinram - Head of Tea Trading & Sustainability, Senior Tea Expert
Combines many years’ experience in the international tea trade with in-depth market knowledge and a clear focus on quality, origin and sustainable supply chains.