Title: Inside Kenya’s Tea Crisis: Overcoming Surplus Production and Preserving Quality
In the lush green hills of Kenya, a major challenge looms: how to dispose of a surplus of 15 million kilos of tea. A problem that threatens the quality and value of this iconic beverage of the country.
The unbridled growth in tea production has been accompanied by a decline in quality, jeopardizing the future of the tea industry in Kenya. The accumulated stocks are equivalent to more than seven billion cups, an alarming situation that requires rapid and effective action.
Over the past three years, sales of Kenyan tea have slowed down, largely attributed to the government-imposed floor price. Set at $2.34 per kilo exported, this price has favored even the lowest qualities, leaving unsold stocks. In 2023, nearly 40% of the tea offered at the Mombasa auctions remained on the shelf.
Faced with this overproduction, the Kenyan authorities have decided to review their pricing policy to liquidate the surplus. This measure should make it possible to readjust the value of tea and boost sales. However, the direct impact of this decision could be a drop in prices worldwide, which represents an additional challenge for Kenyan producers.
To regain favorable economic momentum, Kenya will not only have to regulate its production to meet real market demand, but also improve the quality of its tea. Increased value necessarily requires better quality tea leaves, meeting the expectations of consumers and international buyers.
The tea crisis in Kenya is an opportunity to rethink the future of this sector, which is essential for the country’s economy. By focusing on quality, sustainability and innovation, Kenya could not only overcome this current crisis, but also strengthen its leading position in the global tea market. It is time to act decisively to preserve the excellence of Kenyan tea and ensure its future prosperity.