Browns accelerates tea production expansion in East Africa
View(s):Browns Plantations, the world’s largest tea grower and a global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions, is significantly expanding its Orthodox tea production capacity across East Africa. This strategic move aligns with the company’s vision to deliver premium, sustainable, and technologically advanced agricultural products while supporting local communities and optimising operational efficiency, the company said in a media release.
Earlier this month, Browns Plantations Kenya commissioned an improved and expanded Orthodox tea production setup at its Kitumbe Factory. The Milima mark facility is now capable of producing up to 3 million kg of high-quality Orthodox tea annually, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to specialty tea production.
Browns factory in Kenya.
Dr. Oleg Piletsky, Head of Global Operations at Browns Plantations, emphasised the importance of this expansion: “Our investment in Orthodox tea capacity reflects a strategic decision to maximise the value of tea grown in Africa. By adding Orthodox capacity in Kitumbe factory and thereafter expanding to other factories, we are enhancing product quality and market competitiveness. This expansion not only benefits our customers with premium products but also uplifts local smallholder farmers, their livelihoods and contributes to the sustainable growth of the East African tea industry.”
Browns Plantations East Africa is strategically targeting a long leaf Orthodox tea production capacity of 25 million kg within the next 18 months. This ambitious goal forms part of a broader plan to have Orthodox tea constitute over 40 per cent of the group’s total production capacity in the region by the short to mid-term. The company leverages the extensive heritage and expertise of its Sri Lankan operations, where it has long been a pioneer in Orthodox tea cultivation and processing.
Leafy Orthodox teas consistently command higher premiums in global markets compared to traditional CTC teas, with prices ranging from US$3 to $10 per kg at specialty auctions—significantly above the average $2.28 per kg for bulk black CTC tea. This premium pricing enhances value capture for producers and aligns with global consumer trends favouring specialty and high-quality teas.
Browns Plantations’ global footprint, with an annual production of approximately 100 million kg of tea, is set to grow further as the company pursues sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions. The impetus to expand Orthodox tea production capacity in East Africa is a key pillar of this growth strategy, reinforcing Browns Plantations’ position as the world’s most trusted and innovative agribusiness partner.
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