Browns Plantations scales up Orthodox tea output to 25 MnKg in East Africa

Dr. Oleg Piletsky

Browns Plantations, the world’s largest tea grower, is stepping up its Orthodox tea production in East Africa as part of a wider plan to strengthen its premium specialty tea portfolio and deepen its sustainable footprint in global markets.

The company said it has significantly expanded production capacity across the region, a move that aligns with its goal of delivering “premium, sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural products while supporting local communities and optimising operational efficiency”.

Earlier this month, Browns Plantations Kenya commissioned an upgraded Orthodox tea setup at its Kitumbe Factory, under the Milima mark, now capable of producing up to three million kilogrammes (MnKg) of Orthodox tea annually. The expansion marks a key milestone in Browns’ strategy to capture a greater share of the high-value specialty tea segment.

“Our investment in Orthodox tea capacity reflects a strategic decision to maximise the value of tea grown in Africa,” said Browns Plantations Head of Global Operations Dr. Oleg Piletsky. 

“By adding Orthodox capacity in the 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.”

The company is targeting a long leaf Orthodox tea production capacity of 25 MnKg, within 18 months, with plans for Orthodox teas to make up more than 40 percent of its total output in the region in the short to mid-term. Browns is leveraging expertise from its Sri Lankan operations, where it has long been a pioneer in Orthodox tea cultivation and processing.

Market analysts note that Orthodox teas continue to command stronger prices in international markets, between US $ 3 and US $ 10 per kilogramme at specialty auctions, compared to the average US $ 2.28 per kilogramme for conventional CTC teas. This pricing dynamic supports Browns’ strategy to shift toward premium varieties that offer higher value capture and align with the rising consumer demand for quality and traceable products.

With an annual global production of around 100 million kilogrammes, Browns Plantations’ expansion in East Africa underscores its intent to consolidate its position as a leader in sustainable and innovative agribusiness. The company said its growth strategy not only focuses on profitability but also on empowering local economies through value addition and responsible farming practices.