The Ultimate Guide to Buy Kenyan Tea for Russian & Central Asian Markets

Why Buy Kenyan Tea? The Global Appeal

Kenyan tea is one of the most sought-after black teas globally, with exports to Russia and Central Asia rising steadily. In 2024, Kenya exported 500.8 million kilograms of tea, marking a 20.8% increase from the previous year.

Russia alone imported 28.46 million kg of Kenyan tea, solidifying its position among Kenya’s top five tea markets. Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are also increasing their imports due to Kenyan tea’s bold taste, deep colour, and competitive pricing.

Whether you're an established tea importer or looking to enter the market, this guide covers everything from sourcing and pricing to shipping logistics and market insights to help you make informed decisions.

Why Russian & Central Asian Tea Importers Prefer Kenyan Tea Over Other Origins

A Russian brand featuring premium Kenyan tea in elegant packaging with individually wrapped tea bags for freshness and convenience

Kenyan tea dominates many tea markets in Russia and Central Asia, often outperforming Indian and Sri Lankan teas due to:

✔ Full-bodied, strong flavour – Ideal for black tea lovers and popular Russian-style blends.

✔ Year-round availability – Kenya’s tea farms produce consistent quality every season.

✔ Competitive pricing – More affordable than Sri Lankan & Indian teas.

✔ Ideal for blends & tea bags – Commonly used in mass-market brands and private labels.

✔ Efficient shipping options – Well-established sea & land freight routes to Russia & Central Asia.

Compared to Indian or Sri Lankan teas, Kenyan tea offers better strength, higher polyphenol content, and a smoother supply chain, making it a top choice for importers.

Kenyan Tea Market Performance in 2024: Key Insights for Importers

Russian Imports Surge – Kenya exported 28.46 million kg of tea to Russia in 2024, a 55% increase from 2023.
Growing Demand in Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Poland are rapidly increasing imports.
Competitive Auction Prices – Kenyan tea remains cost-effective despite global inflation.
Shipping Disruptions & New Routes – Red Sea challenges have led to alternative trade routes via Turkey, UAE & Iran.

Major Russian & Central Asian Importers of Kenyan Tea

Kenyan tea is a key ingredient in some of the biggest tea brands across Russia & Central Asia:

Orimi Group (Russia) – Uses Kenyan tea in its black tea blends and premium brands.
Ahmad Tea (Russia & CIS) – Kenyan tea is a base for its award winning English Breakfast & other blends. Watch their Master Tea Taster share valuable insights for tea importers on what makes Kenyan tea special.
Piala Gold (Kazakhstan) – A leading brand that heavily relies on Kenyan black tea.
Toshkent Choyi (Uzbekistan) – Imports premium loose-leaf Kenyan teas.
Lipton & Unilever Russia – Major multinational buyers of Kenyan CTC tea.

Leading Russian and Central Asian brands that buy Kenyan tea for their premium blends.

Many private-label tea brands, including major retailers like METRO, FOZZY GROUP, and SG Production in Russia & Central Asia, buy Kenyan tea as their primary ingredient to offer high-quality yet affordable blends for their loyal consumers.

How to Source & Import Kenyan Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choosing a Trusted Supplier

To ensure high quality and competitive pricing, source from:

Licensed Kenyan tea exporters (registered with the Tea Board of Kenya). Request for our certifications.
Reputable Kenyan tea bulk suppliers with experience in shipping to Russian-speaking markets.
Private-label tea producers offering custom packaging and blends.

Step 2: Understanding Trade Terms & Pricing

Kenyan tea is sold under two main pricing structures:

FOB (Free on Board) Mombasa – Buyer arranges shipping from Mombasa Port.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) – Supplier manages shipping to your preferred port.

Step 3: Import Regulations & Required Documentation

Importing Kenyan tea requires compliance with essential regulations. A reputable supplier should handle these requirements on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

Key documents for customs clearance include:

Phytosanitary Certificate – confirms that the products meet the required quality or safety standards. It’s the seal of approval saying everything has been checked and approved.
Commercial Invoice – your shopping receipt on a larger scale. It shows the cost of the goods, any taxes or fees, and details about the transaction. Customs and import authorities use this to assess duties.
Packing List – like a detailed inventory, it tells you exactly what’s in each package, including quantities and descriptions. It helps you verify that you’ve received everything you ordered.
KEPHIS Plant Health Certificate – ensures that the tea meets Kenya’s plant health regulations. Issued by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, it confirms that the tea is free from pests and diseases, making it safe for international trade.
Customs Entry – contains details about the imported goods, their value, and applicable duties or taxes, ensuring compliance with import regulations.
Bill of Lading – like a shipment’s ticket, it confirms that the goods have been loaded onto the ship or transport, and it outlines the terms of the transportation agreement.
Certificate of Origin – like a birth certificate for your products, showing their origin country and region. (may impact tariff benefits).

We ensure all documentation is correctly processed for a seamless import experience.

Step 4: Best Shipping Routes for Kenyan Tea Imports

Kenyan tea reaches Russia and Central Asia through multiple logistics channels, primarily sea freight, often complemented by overland transportation.

Sea Freight Routes:
- To Russia: Shipments typically arrive at Port of Novorossiysk, Russia’s main Black Sea port. The standard route involves sea transit from Mombasa to Novorossiysk, often passing through transshipment hubs like Jebel Ali (UAE). From Novorossiysk, goods are distributed inland across Russia.
- To Georgia: An alternative pathway is via Port of Poti, Georgia. Cargo is shipped from Mombasa to Poti, followed by overland transport to Russia and neighbouring countries. This route is ideal for accessing markets in the Caucasus region.
- To Central Asia: For destinations like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, tea is shipped to Bandar Abbas (Iran) or Karachi (Pakistan). From these ports, cargo is transported overland by road or rail to Central Asian markets.

Freight and Delivery Times

International shipping is influenced by multiple factors, including port congestion, customs clearance, geopolitical developments, and seasonal demand fluctuations. As these variables can impact transit times and costs, we strongly recommend reaching out for the most up-to-date shipping details.

For real-time freight costs and delivery schedules, please contact us. Our logistics team will provide accurate, up-to-date information to help you plan your shipments efficiently.

Our Dubai Office Advantage:

Leveraging our strategic presence in Dubai, we offer optimised shipping solutions through UAE-based transshipment hubs. This enables faster, more flexible, and cost-effective delivery of Kenyan tea to Russia & Central Asia.

Best Kenyan Tea Varieties for Wholesale & Retail Businesses

Kenyan tea is available in two primary categories:

1. CTC Tea (Crush, Tear, Curl) – The Bulk Buyer’s Choice

Kenyan CTC tea is the go-to option for blended teas, tea bags, and loose-leaf packaging due to its strong flavour, deep colour, and quick infusion time. It is widely used in mass-market retail brands across Russia and Central Asia.

Key CTC Tea Grades & Their Benefits

BP1 (Broken Pekoe 1) – Full-bodied, bold, and brisk. Commonly used in strong black tea blends and loose-leaf packaging for Russian and Kazakh markets.
PF1 (Pekoe Fanning 1) – Bright, brisk, and lively. This is a popular choice for loose-leaf tea packs and high-quality tea bags, ideal for everyday consumption.
PD (Pekoe Dust) – Fine, strong, and fast-infusing. Primarily used in affordable tea bags and instant teas due to its quick brewing properties.
Dust Grades – The smallest, most finely ground CTC grade. Offers an intense, fast-brewing infusion, making it perfect for strong black tea drinkers and tea bag manufacturing.

CTC tea is favoured by bulk buyers, supermarkets, and tea bag manufacturers who need a cost-effective yet high-quality product that can be easily blended and distributed on a large scale.

2. Orthodox Tea – For Premium & Specialty Markets

For high-end retail brands, loose-leaf tea distributors, and specialty tea houses, Orthodox Kenyan tea provides exceptional quality, refined flavours, and strong market demand.

Unlike CTC tea, Orthodox tea is carefully rolled, twisted, and processed to preserve whole leaves, resulting in a more aromatic and visually appealing product.

This category is highly valued in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, where premium black tea consumption is on the rise. Importers sourcing Orthodox tea gain access to a growing market of discerning tea drinkers willing to pay a premium for high-quality loose-leaf teas.

Most Sought-After Kenyan Orthodox Tea Grades & Their Benefits

FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe) – Made from whole, tender tea leaves, this grade produces a smooth, rich liquor with floral undertones. It’s perfect for premium loose-leaf retail packaging and specialty tea blends.
GBOP - (Golden Broken Orange Pekoe) – A high-grade broken leaf tea with golden tips, ideal for strong, flavourful cups. Importers prefer it for blends and high-end tea bags.
FBOPF - (Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings) – A well-balanced tea with a mix of golden tips and fine broken leaves, offering a brisk, full-bodied infusion. Suitable for both luxury loose-leaf packaging and high-quality blends.
OPA (Orange Pekoe A) – This large-leaf tea has a mild, delicate taste with subtle floral notes. It’s commonly sold as loose-leaf tea in high-end specialty shops across Russia and Central Asia.
TGFOP (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) – A premium-grade Orthodox tea, known for its tippy golden buds and complex aroma. Popular among high-end tea retailers and private-label brands looking for top-tier quality.
OPA (Orange Pekoe A) – Large-leaf tea, smooth taste.
FOF (Flowery Orange Fannings) – A smaller-leaf version of FOP with an intense flavour. Well-suited for blends that require a strong base and fast infusion time, making it ideal for luxury tea bags and premium blends.-
OP (Orange Pekoe) – A medium-leaf grade that delivers a bright, clear infusion with smooth, malty notes. Widely used in specialty loose-leaf packaging and often blended with other teas.
STGFOP (Super Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe) – One of the highest grades of Orthodox tea, featuring abundant golden tips and a refined, delicate flavour. This grade commands premium pricing and is ideal for luxury tea collections and gourmet tea brands.

Private Labelling (Custom Packaging) for Orthodox & CTC Kenyan Tea

Kenyan Orthodox teas can be custom-packaged for boutique tea brands, gourmet shops, and specialty retailers. Importers can customise packaging, branding, and blends to meet consumer preferences in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and surrounding regions.

For mass-market distribution, CTC teas can also be privately labeled, offering a cost-effective yet high-quality option for supermarkets, wholesalers, and tea bag manufacturers looking to create affordable, strong, and widely consumed tea blends.

Custom packaging options include:

Loose-leaf pouches – Ideal for premium Orthodox tea brands targeting specialty tea lovers.
Tea bag formats – CTC teas can be custom-packed into double-chamber, pyramid, or envelope tea bags for large-scale distribution.
Bulk packaging for wholesalers – Importers can opt for bulk packaging (10kg, 25kg, or 50kg sacks) for direct blending or repackaging.

By offering custom packaging solutions, importers can build strong local brands in Russia and Central Asia while maximising profitability with exclusive blends and private-label products.

Market Trends & Opportunities for Kenyan Tea in Russia & Central Asia

The Russian and Central Asian tea markets offer strong opportunities for importers hoping to buy high-quality Kenyan tea.

Growing Interest in Value-Added Tea

Kenya’s tea exports have experienced significant growth, with export volumes surging by 20.8% in the first ten months of 2024, driven by increased demand for value-added tea products such as flavoured tea, instant tea, and tea bags. As more Russian and Central Asian businesses look for high-quality, ready-to-market tea products, sourcing directly from Kenya presents a strong business opportunity. Read more about Kenya’s tea export growth here.

Demand for Organic & Specialty Teas

The demand for organic and pesticide-free teas is on the rise, particularly in Russia and Kazakhstan, where health-conscious consumers are shifting toward premium and specialty loose-leaf teas. The global organic tea market is expected to grow from $1.13 billion in 2024 to $1.32 billion in 2025, reflecting strong potential for importers seeking to offer high-margin, health-oriented tea products. Explore the organic tea market trends here.

Rising Private-Label Brands

With changing consumer spending habits in Russia, private-label tea brands are becoming increasingly popular as cost-effective alternatives to traditional tea brands. This shift presents an opportunity for importers to source high-quality Kenyan CTC and Orthodox teas in bulk and create their own branded retail products. Many businesses in Russia are already leveraging this trend to capture market share. Learn more about the rise of private-label teas in Russia.

Shipping Challenges & Alternative Routes

Kenyan tea exporters have successfully navigated global shipping disruptions by exploring alternative trade routes through the UAE, Turkey, and Iran to reach Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. With increased demand for Kenyan tea in these regions, trade volumes remain strong despite logistical challenges.

A reputable Kenyan tea supplier will guide importers on the best logistics solutions, ensuring smooth delivery without unnecessary delays. Our experience in this market allows us to provide reliable shipping options to Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other key destinations. Find out how Kenyan tea exports are thriving despite shipping challenges.

Challenges & Considerations for Bulk Tea Buyers

Fluctuating Shipping Costs & Route Disruptions

The ongoing Red Sea crisis—caused by attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen’s Houthi rebels—has forced many shipping companies to avoid the Suez Canal, which is a critical trade route for Kenyan tea exports. As a result, shipping times to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are affected, with many exporters rerouting shipments via the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) or alternative land-sea routes through the UAE, Iran, and Turkey. These longer transit times have led to increased shipping costs, impacting overall import expenses. Read more about the Suez Canal disruptions and their impact on global trade.

Tax & Tariff Policies

Import duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemptions on tea imports vary across Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other CIS countries. Russia, for instance, has reduced tea import tariffs in recent years to encourage trade, while Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offer preferential duty rates for tea imports under certain trade agreements. Importers should work with experienced suppliers who understand customs clearance processes to avoid unexpected fees or delays.

Stable Supply Despite Challenges

Despite shipping and economic challenges, demand for Kenyan tea in Russia and Central Asia remains strong. Reliable exporters have established alternative routes to ensure continuous supply and timely delivery. Our experience in shipping to this region ensures that our clients receive consistent, high-quality tea shipments without major disruptions.

Through our updated blogs we offer logistics trends and market shifts so that importers can successfully navigate these challenges and secure a competitive advantage in the growing Russian tea market.

Currency Exchange Impact

Kenyan tea is traded in USD, meaning that the primary exchange rate concern for importers is the fluctuation of their local currency against the US dollar. In Russia and Central Asia, currency volatility—especially with the Russian Ruble (RUB), Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT), and Uzbekistani Som (UZS)—can affect the final cost of imports. A weaker local currency against the USD increases purchasing costs, while a stronger local currency can make imports more affordable.

To mitigate these risks, importers should:

Monitor USD exchange rate trends in their respective countries.
Consider forward contracts or hedging options to lock in stable pricing.
Partner with suppliers who offer flexible payment terms to manage currency fluctuations effectively.

Despite these financial considerations, Kenyan tea remains a cost-effective and high-quality option for tea businesses in Russia and Central Asia, ensuring strong market demand.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Source Kenyan Tea

Kenyan tea presents a high-growth opportunity for importers in Russia and Central Asia, driven by:

Rising Market Demand – Consumer preference for strong black tea blends continues to grow.
Competitive Pricing – More cost-effective than Sri Lankan and Indian alternatives.
Diverse Product Options – Available in bulk, loose-leaf, blended, and value-added formats like tea bags.
Reliable Supply Chain – Despite global logistics challenges, Kenyan tea remains consistently available.
Private Labelling & Customisation – Ideal for brands looking to differentiate in the market.