Kenyan CTC Black Tea

Discover a delicious blend of premium, strong, full-bodied black tea in every sip.

Kenya's Tea Industry:

A Flourishing Opportunity for Tea Importers

In 2023, Kenya's tea export volume surged by 16% reaching nearly 523 million kgs from the previous year's 450 million kgs, as reported by the the Tea Board of Kenya,

This remarkable growth led to record-breaking export earnings of $1.3 billion for the Kenyan tea industry.

Explore our comprehensive report to delve into the Kenyan tea industry over the last 5 years:

Kenya Tea Industry Performance 2023

Kenya Tea Industry Performance 2022

Kenya Tea Industry Performance 2021

Kenya Tea Industry Performance 2020

Kenya Tea Industry Performance 2019

Kenya's Tea Excellence:

A Global Favourite for Blenders and Consumers

Kenya proudly stands as the world's leading exporter of black tea, renowned for it's exceptional quality produced through the Crush-Tear-Curl (CTC) processing method.

This technique results in small granule particles that brew quickly and efficiently, making Kenyan tea an ideal choice for commercial tea bags worldwide.

Noted for its bold flavour, rich colour, and aromatic profile, Kenyan tea adds depth and character to any blend and its versatility whether drunk plain black or paired with milk and sugar, makes it a favourite with consumers.

As a result, Kenyan tea has become a staple choice for professional blenders worldwide, who use it to craft delightful and satisfying beverages.

Discover renowned international brands importing Kenyan tea for their blends and learn more learn more about the benefits of blending with Kenyan tea.

Kenya's Liquid Gold - A World Favourite

A leading producer of black CTC, Kenyan tea endears to packers and importers spread across the world as this map shows. Amongst many reasons why, is a robust flavor that can stand up well with milk, as tea is often drunk worldwide.

CTC Black Tea

CTC Kenyan tea comprises blends of tea leaves sourced from different small-scale gardens or larger plantations during harvest.

Following processing, these teas are classified into 3 main varieties,

Broken Pekoes, crafted from broken leaves

Pekoe Fanning variety, which make up the bulk of Kenyan tea production attributed to Kenyan tea bag markets such as UK, Egypt, UK, Ireland, etc

Pekoe Dust, characterised by its powdery texture

Certain markets with preference for strong dark tea, favour other powdery and fibrous lots such as Fannings and BMF.

Quality by Design

Kenyan tea manufacturers traditionally employ the CTC method of production driven by market demand and supply dynamics.

For experienced tea buyers, the grades outlined below provide a guide of what is on offer to grow your business.

These diverse offerings cater to various preferences and demands in our biggest markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

For newcomers to the tea industry, our expert tea master will provide personalised recommendations tailored to your target market and the specific quality standards required to ensure the success and growth of your business.

Kenyan CTC black tea

Kenyan CTC black tea - Broken Mixed Fannings

Kenyan CTC black tea

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Primary Grades

Appearance

Infusion

Liqour

BP1 – Broken Pekoe 1

Curly blacker granule type

PF1 – Pekoe Fannings 1

Blacker curly smaller granules

PD – Pekoe Dust

Blacker even grainier

Dust 1

Blacker more powdery

Coppery Bright

Reddish liquor with better strength and flavour

Reddish, coloury liquor with better strength and flavour

Coloury thicker liquor with useful strength

More coloury thicker liquor

Secondary Grade

BP – Broken Pekoe

Blacker bolder granules

Dust / Dust 2
Very powdery tea

FANNINGS 1 / Fngs

Black leaf with more fibre

PF - Pekoe Fannings
Neatly cut fibre with black leaf

BMF - Broken Mixed Fannings
Fibrous tea