By John Kariuki
Kenya has taken a significant step in expanding its tea market presence as Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe leads a high-profile delegation to the Gulfood Festival 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mission aims to boost Kenya’s tea exports across the UAE, Middle East, Far East, and Europe while fostering stronger government ties and exploring new trade opportunities.
The UAE has grown into a crucial trade partner for Kenya, currently ranking as the country's fourth-largest tea market. In 2023 alone, the UAE imported 28.6 million kilograms of Kenyan tea, valued at Ksh 10.1 billion. While bulk trade remains a significant revenue stream, Kenya is now shifting focus toward value-added exports and retail partnerships to secure higher earnings for farmers. Plans are underway to establish Common User Facilities to further enhance the returns on Kenyan tea, ensuring farmers benefit from improved market conditions.
Wilson Muthaura, the Group Chief Executive Officer of KTDA Holdings, welcomed the government’s renewed efforts to strengthen the tea export sector, describing the move as progressive and necessary for the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s tea trade. Muthaura has been instrumental in advocating for greater competitiveness in the global market, championing the exploration of new trade frontiers while emphasizing the urgent need for value addition. According to him, Kenya must transition from traditional bulk exports to premium packaged products if it is to secure better pricing and enhanced global positioning. Under his leadership, KTDA has actively pursued innovative strategies to bolster the tea sector’s competitiveness and expand its reach into emerging and premium markets.
Kenya’s participation at Gulfood 2025 is expected to cement its position as a global leader in tea exports. The country is looking to secure new trade agreements, improve product branding, and diversify its market presence to drive higher export volumes and enhance its tea's reputation as a premium global product. This initiative aligns with the government's broader economic agenda, ensuring that Kenya remains a dominant force in the tea industry while securing better value for farmers and industry stakeholders.
As the world’s largest exporter of black tea, Kenya continues to position itself as a key player in the international tea trade. The high-level discussions and partnerships anticipated at Gulfood 2025 signal a new era of growth and sustainability for the sector. With a renewed focus on value addition and premium branding, Kenyan tea is poised to become more competitive in the global market, offering better prices for farmers and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a top producer of high-quality tea.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.