Browns Plantations Bets Big on Premium Orthodox Teas.

Browns Plantations Kenya Limited has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its foothold in the global specialty tea market with the commissioning of an upgraded Orthodox Tea production line at its Kitumbe Factory.

Besides the eyes on the specialty tea market, the expansions is expected to increase production capacity at Kitumbe Factory to 3 million kilograms.

Industry data shows Orthodox specialty teas fetch between $3 and $10 per kilogram, nearly four times the average $2.28 per kilogram earned by traditional CTC teas.

For Kenyan producers grappling with fluctuating global prices, Browns Plantations’ investment signals a deliberate strategy to tap into markets where quality command stronger returns.

“This investment is a strategic decision to maximize the value of tea grown in Africa,” said CEO Dushanth Ratwatte, noting that expanding capacity will enhance product quality and competitiveness while boosting returns for local farmers.

“It benefits our customers with premium products and supports the sustainable growth of the Kenyan tea industry.” Dushanth added.

The development comes as Kenya positions itself to diversify beyond bulk black tea, following the launch of the East African Tea Trade Association’s Orthodox Tea Auction.

The expanded capacity at Kitumbe aligns with national efforts to deepen participation in global specialty auctions and attract premium buyers.

Browns Plantations’ recent achievement at the North American Tea Conference, where its Milima Estate Black Orthodox (OP) Tea won 2nd Place at the Gold Medal Tea Awards, further underscores its rising profile in the specialty segment.

A key advantage for Browns is its decades of experience in Sri Lanka, one of the world’s most respected Orthodox tea producers. The company is now deploying that expertise in Kenya, from agronomic practices to processing technology, ensuring strict quality consistency across its premium portfolio.

By transferring knowledge and integrating sustainable farming techniques, the company says it is not only strengthening its own supply chain, but also uplifting smallholder farmers across Kericho and Bomet.

Beyond production upgrades, Browns Plantations has embedded sustainability at the core of its operations, ranging from community empowerment to environmentally responsible farming. Its teas are certified Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fairtrade, supporting both global market credibility and local livelihoods.

The firm’s diverse product line, spanning CTC and Orthodox teas, green tea, and purple tea, is already enjoying strong demand in traditional markets like the UK, Egypt, and Pakistan, with the US emerging as a fast-growing destination.

Signature marks such as Chemase (Kenya’s first organic tea), Milima, Bondet, and Masingi—all hand-plucked from smallholder farms,remain sought after globally, expanding the company’s premium identity while anchoring value within local communities.

As specialty tea consumption grows worldwide, Browns Plantations’ expansion signals confidence in Kenya’s ability to compete with traditional Orthodox powerhouses.

By marrying Sri Lankan expertise with Kenya’s rich highlands, the company hopes to accelerate the country’s shift from bulk tea exporter to global specialty tea competitor.

For Kenya’s tea belt farmers and factories, the move could represent the beginning of a more profitable era, one where quality, not just quantity, defines the industry’s future.