Orthodox tea

EAC Pushes for Unified Orthodox Tea Standards Across Partner States

In Summary

  • EAC states urged to harmonise orthodox tea production standards.
  • Global demand for orthodox tea grows at over 6% annually.
  • Harmonisation to boost quality, market access, and farmer incomes.
  • Kenya produced 12 million kg of orthodox tea in 2024.
  • Focus on climate-smart farming and sustainable practices.
  • Calls for unified licensing, certification, and trade systems.

East African Community (EAC) states have been urged to harmonise orthodox tea production standards to tap into the growing global demand, which is expanding at over 6% annually. The call was made by Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) CEO Willy Mutai during the launch of Africa Orthodox Tea by the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) in Mombasa on July 17, 2025.

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The initiative aims to shift East Africa’s tea industry from bulk commodity exports, primarily Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) tea, to premium orthodox tea, which commands higher prices due to its handcrafted quality and diverse flavours. Mutai noted that Africa contributes 12% to the global black CTC tea market, but stagnant prices have hurt farmers’ incomes. “Orthodox tea offers a premium market driven by consumer demand for authenticity, wellness, and traceable origins,” he said.

Harmonising standards across EAC countries—Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan—will ensure consistent quality, streamline cross-border trade, and enhance global competitiveness. Mutai called for unified licensing, certification, and visibility protocols. “As regulators, we must synchronise quality benchmarks and trade procedures to unlock the full potential of orthodox tea,” he added.

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) chairman Chege Kirundi highlighted Kenya’s readiness, with 12 million kilograms of orthodox tea produced in 2024. “Our farmers have the capacity and climate to meet global demand, but we need stronger marketing and harmonised standards,” he said, urging investment in branding and e-commerce platforms.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Kenya, Eunice Kigenyi, emphasized the economic potential. “Orthodox tea is a billion-dollar market. East Africa can capture it by branding and promoting sustainable practices,” she said, noting consumer preferences for ethically produced goods. She advocated for training, certification, and digital platforms to reach global buyers.

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The push for harmonisation aligns with efforts to adopt climate-smart farming, including responsible water use, forest restoration, and green energy in tea factories. Mutai stressed that sustainable practices enhance market appeal, especially in environmentally conscious markets like Europe and North America.

Challenges remain, including varying national standards and limited awareness among smallholder farmers. Jane Wambui, a tea farmer in Kericho, called for support. “We need training to meet these standards and ensure fair prices,” she said. The EATTA plans workshops to address these gaps, with pilot projects set for late 2025.

The harmonisation effort draws inspiration from past EAC successes, such as vehicle emission standards, where Tanzania led the formulation of regional benchmarks. The TBK and EATTA aim to finalize a harmonised framework by mid-2026 to boost East Africa’s share in the premium tea market.