홍차 from 케냐

History

Tea cultivation began in Kenya in the early 20th century, introduced by British colonials around 1903. Commercial production expanded rapidly post-independence, driven by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), which empowered smallholder farmers to become key producers.

Production Regions

• Kericho: Major highland tea zone with ideal altitude and climate.
• Bomet: Adjacent to Kericho; major smallholder activity.
• Nandi Hills: High elevation region with fertile volcanic soils.
• Kisii: Known for smallholder tea farming in western Kenya.
• Nyeri & Murang’a: Central Kenya regions producing quality leaf.
• Embu & Meru: Eastern Highlands with consistent rainfall and elevation.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Equatorial with year-round temperatures between 20–30°C.
• Rainfall: 1,200–2,200 mm/year; evenly distributed.
• Altitude: 1,500–2,700 meters above sea level.
• Soil: Deep, well-drained, acidic volcanic soils ideal for tea.

Harvesting Process

• Plucking Frequency: Every 7–14 days, depending on weather.
• Method: Hand-plucked to maintain two leaves and a bud standard.
• Flush Pattern: Continuous harvest due to equatorial climate.
• Processing: Mainly CTC (95%+); some orthodox production emerging.
• Stages: Withering → CTC processing → Fermentation → Drying → Grading.

Cultivation Methods

• Smallholders: Over 600,000 registered farmers under KTDA; ~60% of production.
• Large Estates: Multinationals and private estates like James Finlay, Unilever, and Williamson Tea.
• Sustainable Practices: Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certifications prevalent.
• Innovation: Adoption of mechanized harvesting in large estates.

Supply Chain

• Flow: Farmers → KTDA-managed factories or private processors → Auctions or direct export.
• Auction Center: Mombasa Tea Auction – largest single tea auction globally.
• Direct Sales: Increasing among large estates and specialty tea companies.

Local Logistics

• Transport: Bulk tea moved via road to Mombasa port.
• Export Port: Mombasa handles almost all black tea exports.
• Packaging: Bulk paper sacks, vacuum packs, cartons for retail and foodservice.

Regulations and Certifications

• Oversight: Tea Board of Kenya and Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
• Certifications: Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Organic, UTZ.
• Mandatory Standards: Residue limits, moisture content, grade compliance.

Quality Standards

• Grades: Primary grades include PF1 (Pekoe Fannings 1), PD (Pekoe Dust), D1, BP1.
• Parameters: Briskness, color, strength, infusion.
• CTC Teas: Valued for consistent quality and strong liquor for blending.

Trade Terms

• Exports (2023 est.): ~450,000 MT, with ~95% of tea exported.
• HS Code: 090230.
• Key Importers: Pakistan, Egypt, UK, UAE, Sudan, Russia, Yemen, Iran.
• Formats: Bulk tea for blending, private label packaging, tea bags.
• Pricing: Competitive, often benchmarked at Mombasa auction rates.

Environmental Impact

• Deforestation Risk: Managed through reforestation and eco-certifications.
• Agrochemicals: Regulated use; shift toward integrated pest management.
• Soil Health: Terracing and mulching used to prevent erosion in highland areas.

Social Impact

• Employment: Major employer, especially for women in rural areas.
• Cooperative Model: KTDA supports smallholders with training, inputs, and marketing.
• Social Programs: Estates provide housing, healthcare, and education.

Uses

• Blending Base: Strong flavor and color make it ideal for global tea blends.
• Retail: Sold as pure Kenyan tea and under global private labels. 
• Foodservice: Used in tea bags, iced tea, and instant formats.