TEA NEWS

CMA probes Unilever deals in Kenya tea firm

Kenya’s tea export grew by 20 percent in the first quarter of the year backed by good prices, which helped to offset a significant decline in volumes.

• Mithamo said this was achieved amid low tea consumption in Kenya’s external market. • He also attributed the rise of the dollar and fair bidding of produce at Mombasa tea auction to have contributed to the good price.

The price of tea at the Mombasa Auction declined significantly in this week’s trading to mark the lowest value to have been realised since January.

• Farmers say some international buyers prefer buying tea from factories rather than the auction. • They have been able to establish relationships with international buyers that boost their confidence.

Fairtrade Faults Government For Prohibiting Direct Tea Sales In Recent Reforms

In April, the Biden Administration announced $670 million in food assistance to countries slammed with rising costs for necessities like wheat, in response to a global hunger crisis that threatens starvation and political unrest.

FAIR DEMAND, STRONG ON SELECTED TYPES

• Mithamo said non-communicable diseases have hit farmers at an alarming rate, reducing productivity in tea farms. • According to medical records, over 50 per cent of the diseases registered were arthritis and neuropathy.

•“This year’s bonus is projected to be the highest to be paid to tea farmers across the tea growing counties since 2016,” according to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya. •The CS further noted that in April, the 42 KTDA-managed tea factories paid a mini bonus for green leaves delivered between July 2021 to December 2021 totalling approximately Sh3 billion.

The factory, which is dedicated to the production of orthodox teas, will be significant to the tea sub-sector and the country at large because of the role it will play in product diversification.

Tea Market Report Sale 24-2022