Kipchimchim opens Africa’s premier green orthodox tea plant

Kipchimchim Group has unveiled the Sangalo Green Tea Factory in Nandi County, a plant it describes as Africa’s premier facility dedicated entirely to the processing of green orthodox tea. The factory, run by the group’s Tea Division, can handle more than 70,000 kilograms of green leaf every day.

Until now, the group’s output has centred on Black CTC and Black Orthodox teas. Sangalo changes that. By moving into specialty green tea, the company is aiming at global markets where demand for the product is high, and it wants African tea to compete there on quality.

Local farmers stand to gain first. Outgrowers supplying leaf to the factory will have direct access to premium specialty markets, which the company says should earn them more for their harvest.

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Jobs will follow. Sangalo is expected to create direct technical roles inside the factory, while also opening up indirect opportunities for people working along the wider agricultural value chain. In addition, the group says the investment will support socio-economic growth and improve infrastructure in the surrounding communities.

Kipchimchim Group says the project reflects a broader belief that African tea should do more than keep pace with changing global tastes. In its view, the continent can set the standard for quality, innovation and local value addition. The company adds that Sangalo is meant to be a lasting investment in the farming communities that sustain it.

By our reporter

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